Eli's eyes met hers and she could practically see the screws turning in his head, whether he should speak or not, and realizing it would be worse if he decided to stay quiet.
"You were broken and I thought it would be easy to mold you into what I needed."
His words shattered her heart, like glass against a rocky surface.
She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, her gaze fixed on him.
"And the first time you told me you loved me, did you?"
"I love you."
That wasn't an answer.
"Did you love me the first time you told me that you did?"
It was just so important for her to know. Had he been using that pity-seeking strategy on her in the beginning?
"No, not at that moment."
Another shatter. The broken pieces into smaller broken pieces.
How broken could someone be? She would know.
"I see."
"I love you, Donna."
The chains rattled, as Eli fought to move closer. They pulled him back, restraining him and he cursed beneath his breath.