Chapter 83 Jessica’s hand flew instinctively to the burning flush spreading across her cheek where Suzanne's palm had struck, the sting sharp and startling, almost eclipsing the shock that froze her in place. Her eyes widened, glassy with disbelief, as she stared at Suzanne—her mouth slightly agape, trembling with a mix of hurt and confusion. The loud crack of the slap still echoed in her ears, a sound that should’ve been impossible between them. “You...slapped me?” The words escaped Jessica’s lips in a shaky whisper, her voice quivering as though it might break apart entirely, revealing the fragile edge beneath her hurt. Suzanne, her chest heaving, took a few uncertain steps back, suddenly aware of the gravity of what she’d just done. The wild spark in her eyes softened, replace by something raw and unguarded—shame, panic, confusion. Her lips quivered fiercely, but no apology formed. She wanted, all at once, to explain, defend, deny, but words tangled up and stalled in her th
Read more