The circle of red marks on her wrist felt as if it were burning, searing her skin with the memory of his touch.
Every time she closed her eyes, the image of him kissing those bruises flashed before her eyes, vivid, relentless, and impossible to erase.
---
Three days later, Lauren woke early and watched her son sleeping soundly beside her.
His small chest rose and fell with each soft breath, his lashes casting delicate shadows on his cheeks.
Her heart softened instantly.
It felt wonderful... blissful, even, to watch him grow up like this.
She was grateful she hadn't chosen to end the pregnancy.
Choosing to give birth had been the hardest and most painful decision of her life, but every tear, every sleepless night had been worth it.
Madam Turner entered the room quietly, catching sight of her daughter gazing tenderly at her grandson.
Her voice was gentle.
