Breaking Free

Trigger Warning: This story contains scenes of domestic violence, and physical and emotional abuse. The main character was in an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who hurt her both physically and mentally. The story also depicts the main character's struggle to escape from the abuse and find love and healing with another person. If you are sensitive to these topics, please read with caution. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe and happy.

Chapter 18

BELLA

I woke in a cold sweat, haunted by the nightmare that flashed the horrific images of Chris looming over me before I lost consciousness. I shivered as I felt the damp sheets clinging to my skin. I reached for the lamp on the nightstand, but my hand froze when I saw a shadowy figure waiting by the door as quiet as a ghost.

"W-who's th-there?" I stammered, hoping it was just a hallucination. My hand shook as I debated turning on the light.

The shadowy figure remained where they were. "Bella, I didn't mean to scare you," they said.

It took me a moment to recognize the voice through my fear. "Edward?" I sobbed, reaching out for him.

"Yes. You cried out, waking me. I'm just checking on you." He moved toward the bed. "Would you like me to stay until you fall back asleep?" He knelt and reached out his hand to touch my cheek.

I nodded, feeling a surge of relief and gratitude. I took a shuddering breath and whispered, "Would you hold me the rest of the night?"

He smiled softly and pulled me into his arms. "Of course, Bella. I'm here for you." He kissed the top of my head. Standing, he round the bed, and laid on his side next to me before he wrapped his arms around me. I felt his warm breath on my neck and his steady heartbeat against my back. I closed my eyes and snuggled closer to him, feeling safe and loved.

~~~ Breaking Free ~~~

The apartment building's security alarm jolted me out of Edward's embrace. "What's going on?" I asked, panic rising in my voice like a tide.

Edward glanced at me with a grim expression as he grabbed his phone. I peered over his shoulder as he brought up one of the security cameras. Someone was outside the main entrance. They looked up at the camera… Chris. He had a gun in his hand.

A cold hand gripped my heart as I recognized his face. Why was he here? Had he come to kill me?

I opened my mouth to say something, but no sound came out. Edward wrapped his arm around me, trying to calm me down. He whispered something in my ear, but I couldn't hear him over the pounding of my heart and the ringing of the alarm.

I broke down in sobs, unable to breathe, think, or face Chris. Not after what he had done to me.

I clung to Edward, hoping he would protect me from the monster on the screen. Flashes of memories flooded my mind, of the last time I saw Chris, of the pain and the blood and the fear. I was still healing from the beating he had given me. I shook my head, trying to bring myself back to the present, but Chris was still there, staring at me through the camera with a twisted smile. He knew where I was. He knew what he wanted. He was coming for me.

Edward moved and knelt in front of me, gently shaking me. "Bella." His voice was soft and warm, cutting through the memories.

I blinked and looked at him.

"Is that Chris?" he asked, his eyes darkening with anger and concern.

My lip trembled as I tried to find my voice. It was useless, so I gave up and nodded, tears streaming down my face.

After a few seconds, Edward drew in a breath through his nose, releasing it slowly. "Chris can't get out the door or move through the next door," he said, caressing my arm.

His touch and voice were soothing, but I still felt a knot in my stomach.

"The cops are on their way. I'll call Detective Carter once the alarm is deactivated."

I wondered what Chris would do when he saw the cops.

Edward

The alarm was turned off a minute later. Emmett, who had agreed to temporarily become the landlord, would deal with the cops.

Before Bella could ask me anything, I quickly dialed a number and put my phone on speaker. A sleepy voice answered. "Carter here. What is it?"

"Detective Carter, it's Edward," I said, sounding worried.

"How can I help you?" he asked, sounding alert.

Bella answered in a shaky voice. "Chris is here," she said, before adding, "in the building."

With a sense of urgency, Carter asked. "Are you safe?"

"Yes," I answered, sounding relieved. "Chris is caught between the outside doors and lobby doors."

"Good. Stay where you are," he said, sounding firm. There was a creaking on the other end of the phone. "I'll be there soon."

"Thank you," Bella said, sounding grateful.

"And, Edward, I want all the security footage and to speak with Bella," he added, sounding serious.