I looked down at my hands.
“And I thought if I gave enough of myself, one day he would appreciate it.”
My father reached over and squeezed my shoulder.
“Love isn’t supposed to require you to make yourself smaller.”
I swallowed.
“I know.”
And I finally did.
I no longer believe that real love must be proven through endless sacrifice.
I don’t believe someone deserves unlimited chances simply because we once loved them.
And I no longer confuse loyalty with accepting treatment that destroys my peace.
There are people with very little money who are generous beyond measure.
There are wealthy people who use their resources to make life better for others.
And there are people who, regardless of how much they possess, always believe they deserve more.
Derek had been given extraordinary opportunities.
But instead of being grateful, he kept reaching for something else.
More power.
More admiration.
