---- Chapter 9 Thomas saw how I had stood up for Frank. Blinded by jealousy, he lost it. He yanked me into his car with brute force. I was pinned down on the passenger seat, helpless. His grip was iron on my arms as he showered me with rough, domineering kisses. I fought back with everything I had, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth, but he would not stop. As he started to tear at my clothes, I hit my breaking point and shoved him off. I grabbed a pin from my shirt and straightened it with trembling hands, pressing its sharp end to my throat. "Thomas! Come any closer and I swear I'll do it right here in front of you!" ---- Thomas froze, staring at me in shock, his eyes filled with unmistakable pain. I slapped him hard, leaving his cheek flushed red. Thomas stammered out an apology, "I'm sorry... Rebecca, I just... I really wanted us to start a family. Can't we just go back and make things right?" "Get out of my sight!" I screamed at him and flung the car door open, ready to escape. I swore I would never lay eyes on him again in this lifetime. Maybe it was because on that day, I was determined to cut Thomas out of my life for good, even if it killed me. For the longest time, Thomas stayed out of sight. Then Frank got in touch, offering to help me dodge Thomas's relentless pursuit. ---- I put my cake shop on hold. I started mixing drinks at Frank's family restaurant, hiding out behind the bar. Frank went full secret agent mode, locking down all my info. He even hooked me up with a fake ID. It worked like a charm. Thomas could not track me down overseas, and eventually, he gave up and went back home. I could finally breathe easy. However, six months later, I suddenly got an email. It was from Tracy, of all people. She spilled her guts, saying she bailed on the Wells family not long after I ditched Thomas. She had been battling it out with Thomas for years, trying to get the upper hand in the Wells family drama.