Chapter Title: (20) Violet-02

She hugged herself, cheeks still burning hot, the heat traveling to the back of her neck. But still, Marley was glad that he trusted her. Just confused as to why he left. "Why did you leave me?" She asked in a small voice, watching his eyes lift to hers as she peeked at him through her lashes apprehensively. "To protect you," he answered quietly, "to protect you from me." Marley's embarrassment was forgotten at his strange response. She studied his unreadable expression, hearing the flame of the stove click on and watching him open a bag of rice. "You'd never hurt me." He flinched backwards, his expression turning pained, "I'd die before doing that." "Then what is it, Aiden? Why would I need protecting from you of all people?" He exhaled loudly, and she leaned forward, knowing he was preparing the story in his head, trying to figure out where to start. "Because of...Paul. Because of Paul and Violet and my father." Violet was the only name he said