Page 86 - The Last Gift

find him, but the deed had been done, and Jacob
was gone.

It angered Matthew that she was trying to
find Jacob. Matthew’s whole demeanor toward
her changed. He gloated and treated her like he
owned her. He no longer asked, but demanded
what he wanted. She no longer felt in control of
anything. Without Jacob she was lost and afraid,
uncertain and confused. With him she had been
sure, vivacious and strong.

Her parents tried to talk her out of having
anything to do with Matthew, and though she
wished him out of her life, she was afraid of him.
One night, when her parents were gone, he came
to her home and forced her to go with him.

She had wanted to get out and run, but he
had threatened her. He drove them more than

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