It Starts with Us (It Ends with Us, #2)

by Colleen Hoover

“I watched them stitch her up, Ryle. Wake the fuck up, man. You were a horrible husband.” He stares at me for a beat, then says, “What has you convinced you’ll be any better?” “Treating Lily the way she deserves to be treated is the easiest part of my life. I think you should be relieved she’s with someone like me.” He laughs. “Relieved? I should be relieved?” He takes several steps toward me, his anger ascending again. “You’re the reason we aren’t together!” It takes everything in me to remain on these steps, and every ounce of patience I have not to return his shouts with my own. “You’re the reason you aren’t together. It was your anger and your fists that got you here. I was barely an acquaintance in Lily’s life when she was with you, so do the mature thing and stop blaming me, and Lily, and everyone else for your actions.” I stand up, but not to hit him. I just need to make room in my chest to exhale because if I don’t, I’m not sure how much longer I can do this without raising my voice to his level. It’s hard looking at him and remaining composed, knowing what he’s done to Lily. “Dammit,” I mutter. “This is ridiculous.”