Chapter 24

ARIELLA. Eli looked at me like I just hit him, and I guess I kind of did. Not physically, of course, but I knew that he didn't like that I wasn't going with him. I also didn't want this, but coming back there so soon would just bring me back the trauma I had been trying to heal. I knew going back there was important for Eli, but I don't think I have the mental capacity to return to a place that caused me so much pain. "You don't mean that, Ariella. You told me you still love your father despite everything that he has done to you. So I know you still consider our town your home." "I still love my father, yes. But that place? No, Eli. And besides, your Uncle doesn't like me. What if he finds out that I'm with you? And Father too. They would get mad, Eli. And if they found out that we're together, what do you think would happen? They would try to separate us!" "We still don't know if that will happen," he said. "But you have to be with me, Ariella. We'll find a way to avoid any of the