[PEARL]
Jeff finally turned his face to me, and I saw the bright red mark from my slap spreading across his cheek. I blinked, my hand still trembling. Did I really hit him that hard? My anger must have been carrying the weight of all the hurt and betrayal I’d been feeling for so long. Was all of that released on Jeff?
He touched his cheek, and then, to my utter shock, he smiled. My heart skipped a beat, fear and confusion crashing over me. What kind of person smiles after being slapped? Was he planning to retaliate? I took a step back, my nerves on edge.
"This is funny," Jeff said, his voice surprisingly calm. "No woman has ever laid hands on me before. You're the first. I have to say, Pearl, you're quite brave."
His words left me more confused and frightened. Brave? Was this some kind
