"You're right." Van said through clenched teeth. "No amount of sorry can erase the hurt Jake. The fact that you made me pay for someone else's sin is not right at all, it's unfair and it's equally the worst sin someone could ever commit against another person. When you were out planning your stupid little revenge did you stop even for once to realise that you were going to destroy my life, did you stop to think that maybe I too was hurt, that my own family fell apart because of your dad as well, that I went through the same hell you went through? No you didn’t, why would you, after all only you and your mom matter right?"
"I admit that I didn't see it that way. I didn't think for a second that you were also a victim. I'm sorry."
Van balled her fists until her knuckles turned white. "When my mother left us I felt like I didn't matter, I felt like I was a bad daughter that I must've done something wrong for my own mother to leave me." This time the tears did fall and she let them slide unbidden down her cheek. "For a time I was furious at the man who took her away from us but I didn't go seeking for revenge, I didn't find someone else to punish for what she did."
"Van i'm so sorry if you could only understand..."
"You married me as insurance so you wouldn't lose me once I come to know the truth, so I wouldn't have a choice but to remain by your side."
He wanted to argue but he seemed to realise how pointless it would be. "I wanted to bound you to me so you wouldn't leave me once you found out the truth."
"God you're so selfish and heartless!" This entire situation was unbelievably like the novel she'd read and she didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the irony.
Jake reached for her but she flinched like he'd burned her.
"Love please listen to me..."
"Please do not come any closer." Her voice sounded hoarse from crying.
Josh knew about it.
How could she forget that. A memory flashed through her mind of Josh trying to warn her to stay away from Jake that he was only using her.
"I think you should leave." She said eventually, her voice sounding so hollow she could barely recognise it. From the corner of her eye Van saw Jake flinch at her cold dismissal but she didn't care, she just wants to be alone right now so she could lick her wounds in private.
Jake didn't protest this time, he seemed to get the picture. On a second thought he looked like he was going to say something but wisely kept his mouth shut as he made for the door..
Van’s body wound tight with overwhelming emotions and only when she heard the soft sound of the door being shut did she loosen up and was able to breathe freely.