After Jess and Val formed a deep friendship in yoga class, their bond grew closer, evolving into a relationship where they shared everything. However, Jess harbored a secret; she knew she was a lesbian, while Val believed she was heterosexual and was dating a boyfriend.

　　Val's boyfriend, Mark, was a construction worker. He was burly but had a crude demeanor. After a long day of work, he often returned home covered in dust and sweat, with disheveled hair and a face marked by unhealthy puffiness and redness from prolonged drinking. His greatest pleasure after work was to drink heavily with his coworkers at the bar until he was completely drunk.

　　One day, Jess went to Val's house to pick up a yoga instructional book. After knocking on the door, it was Mark who answered. His eyes were glassy, and the smell of alcohol was overwhelming. Upon seeing Jess, a fleeting look of lewdness crossed his face.

　　“Oh, so this is Val's little friend? Not bad-looking,” Mark said, unabashedly sizing up Jess.

　　A wave of discomfort washed over Jess, but she responded politely, “Hi, I’m here to see Val and pick up a book.”

　　“She’s inside, come on in,” Mark said, stepping aside but deliberately bumping her shoulder as she passed. Jess frowned, suppressing her revulsion as she entered the house.

　　Val came out of her room and smiled upon seeing Jess. “You’re here! The book is in my room; I’ll go get it.”

　　While Val went back to her room, Mark sprawled out on the sofa, propping his leg up, and said to Jess, “You girls and your yoga—what's the point? Unlike me, working hard for a living.”

　　Jess didn’t want to argue with him and replied flatly, “Yoga is beneficial for both body and mind.”

　　At that moment, Val returned with the book and handed it to Jess. “Here you go; it has a lot of useful techniques.”

　　“Thank you,” Jess said, just as she was about to leave when Mark suddenly got up and walked over to Val, roughly wrapping his arm around her waist. “Babe, don’t go out tonight; stay home with me.”

　　Val glanced at Jess awkwardly and gently pulled away from Mark. “I need to talk to Jess about something.”

　　Witnessing this scene, Jess felt a deep sense of discomfort; she understood that Val was not receiving the respect and happiness she deserved in this relationship. From that day on, Jess paid closer attention to Val and Mark’s interactions, noticing that Mark not only treated Val disrespectfully but also often erupted in anger over trivial matters.

　　One day, Val came to Jess with red-rimmed eyes.

　　“Jess, what should I do? Mark got drunk again last night and came home yelling at me, throwing things around,” Val sobbed.

　　Jess held Val's hand with concern. “Val, you can’t keep living like this. It’s wrong for him to treat you this way. You deserve a better life.”

　　“But what can I do? We’ve been together for a while, and I thought he would change,” Val said helplessly.

　　“He won’t change; you need to be brave and leave him,” Jess urged firmly.

　　“But I’m scared. I’ve never thought about leaving him, and I don’t know how to live on my own,” Val’s voice trembled.

　　Jess looked at Val, her gaze filled with care and determination. “You’re not alone; I will be by your side. From now on, I’ll help you break free from his control.”

　　Thus, Jess began to devise a plan. She encouraged Val to find a part-time job to gain financial independence. With Jess’s support, Val signed up for online yoga instructor training, using her newfound expertise to teach classes in her spare time.

　　As Val became busier with work, the time she spent with Mark decreased. Mark noticed this and grew increasingly hostile towards Val.

　　One day, after finishing a teaching session, Val returned home to find Mark waiting at the door.

　　“What have you been doing out there all day? Got yourself a man?” Mark demanded angrily.

　　“No, I’m working to support myself,” Val replied.

　　“You don’t need to work; just stay home and keep me company,” Mark said, reaching out to grab Val’s arm.

　　Val struggled to break free just as Jess arrived. Without thinking, she rushed forward and pushed Mark away with force.

　　“Don’t touch her! You have no right to treat her like that!” Jess shouted in anger.

　　Mark stumbled back, eyes wide with fury. “Who the hell are you to interfere in our business?”

　　“Because I can’t stand by and watch you hurt Val. She wants to break up with you, so leave her alone from now on,” Jess confronted Mark fearlessly.

　　Mark sneered. “Break up? It’s not that easy. She’s my woman, and if she tries to leave, I won’t let her go easily.”

　　Jess knew reasoning with Mark was futile. She took Val’s hand and turned to leave. “Let’s go, don’t pay him any mind.”

　　Back at Jess’s house, Val was still shaken. “Jess, he won’t really do anything to me, will he?”

　　“Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll protect you,” Jess said, holding Val tightly, offering her comfort and strength.

　　With Jess’s companionship and support, Val gradually began to emerge from this toxic relationship. She felt immense gratitude towards Jess, and their friendship grew even stronger. Meanwhile, Jess quietly buried her deeper feelings for Val, wishing only to protect her, regardless of the role she played.