"Those men in black suits... Stormed into the house..."
He clutched my hand in agitation, breathing rapidly as if thrust back into that nightmare.
"They whipped you and mother! A full ninety-nine lashes! Torturing you to reveal my whereabouts... You were drenched in blood yet clenched your teeth without uttering a word..."
His body contorted in agony, shoulders heaving violently.
"After Karina tricked me into bed, I was so revolted I wished I were dead... She feigned remorse, apologized to me, and recommended a therapist, who hypnotized me, making me nearly forget us surviving together, and turned her into the unattainable first love I pined for!"
He looked up at me, disheveled, face streaked with tears and snot.
"Ava! I know I was wrong! I was stupid! Blind! Can we start over? I'm b
