Chapter2 THE HEART'S BURDEN

Zara’s POV “Why do you do this to me, Jax?” I screamed into my pillow, my voice muffled by the fabric as tears streamed down my face. “Why do you hate me so much?” My cries tore through the silence of my room as my emotions consumed me, wave after wave crashing until I could barely breathe. My heart belonged to him long before I even understood what love meant. And over the years, I had poured every ounce of my being into seeking his attention. His approval. His affection. But he never once looked at me the way I wished he would. Why does he act like I don’t exist? Am I not beautiful enough? Am I not strong enough? Does he think I’m too young… too immature? I’ve kept my heart untouched for him. I’ve saved every part of myself, all my firsts, all my hopes… only for him. So why does he reject me so cruelly? Tears fell again, hot and endless, as I collapsed to my knees. I pressed my hands over my face, trying to hold myself together, but the ache in my chest was too heavy. “I hate him,” I