Chapter 332

Elise didn't want to meet Pearl's eyes and curled up, making herself smaller. "I really didn't…" Pearl noticed the girl's discomfort and continued gently, "This room has a strong scent. Most people wouldn't notice, but I can tell it's from an ointment used to reduce bruising." The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place for Pearl. She understood that something was amiss here. 'Why would someone who rarely leaves home have bruises?' she thought. She knew the answer was right there, waiting to be revealed. "Miss Elise, I can be trusted with your secret. I won't tell anyone," Pearl assured her. She moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed, and softened her tone. "Ellie, can you trust me?" Elise's eyes welled up with tears. She was already fragile, but now she looked even more vulnerable. "Don't cry. Share your story with me, and I'll do my best to help you," Pearl comforted her. Elise took a deep breath to steady herself and began to speak. "My mom divorced my dad, a