Chapter 7
Emily gently pulled the white sheet over Ethan’s still form. Only then did she notice her feet were bare, caked with blood and dirt.
She sank to the floor, fumbling for tissues to wipe them clean. The more she wiped, the worse it smeared. Her composure cracked. Clutching her chest, she opened her mouth to scream–but no sound came. Only tears.
After what felt like forever, she stood. Went home. Took a long shower. Changed into o
clothes. Put on a little makeup.
Ethan deserved a proper goodbye.
a glost.
With his death certificate in hand, she arranged for his cremation. She didn’t say a word the entire time, moving like a
When she finally saw the um, her eyes welled, but she managed a faint smile. This was better–Ethan was free from suffering. She could take him with her and leave Cresthaven behind.
She bought a plot in a peaceful comer of Cresthaven and commissioned a headstone for Ethan. She couldn’t bear the thought of him having no place to be remembered
Chutching his un, she sat by the headstone for a day and a night, sharing childhood memories and pouring out her heart.
At dawn, she left the cemetery, urn still in hand.
When she got back to the Skyloft Towers penthouse, she froze at the door–suggestive moans echoed from inside. Her hand hovered over the keypad. Along beat passed. Then she punched in the code and stepped inside.
The place was wrecked–clothes everywhere, a silk nightgown tangled in the Christmas tree, empty condom boxes tossed into her favorite fruit bowl. The air reeked of sex and perfume.
Sophia was sprawled across Alex’s lap, covered in hickeys. She moaned his name, voice thick with lust. “Alex., God, you’re incredible,”
Emily didn’t flinch. Didn’t look. She walked upstairs without a word, numb to it all.
The sounds went on for hours–Sophia’s cries turning to breathless whimpers, Alex’s pace relentless
When the bedroom door finally creaked open, Alex stopped inside, freshly showered, his shirt barely hiding the marks Sophia had left.
The image hit Emily like a punch to the gut. She gagged, hand flying to her mouth.
Alex’s expression darkened. “You think I’m disgusting?”
She didn’t answer. She didn’t have to–her face said it all
He grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. Then he leaned in to kiss her!
She recoiled, but his grip tightened, holding her still.
“I get that you’re upset,” he said, calm and cruel. “But once I’m done having my fun, I’ll make it up to you. Keep acting out, though, and Ethan price”
Her heart stopped
Ethan. He didn’t know. He thought she still had something to lose.
She didn’t.
“Let me go, Alex,” she whispered, voice trembling. “I can’t do this anymore.”
pays
the
His
eyes sharpened. He let go, brushing a thunb over the red mark on her cheek
“Stop talking nonsense,” he murmured. “Where would you even go? Do as I say, sweetheart. Don’t make me angry.”
You can’t leave the. I won’t let you.”
memory flashed–Alex once locking a rival in a snake–filled basement just to exploit luis phobla. The screams had lasted for hours.
He’d never do that to her. But he’d never let her go, either.
A chill ran through her. She lowered her eyes and lied for the second time,
You’re right. I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter 7
R
ReelShort
In a divided village a
Satisfied, he kissed her lips. “Rest up. Our wedding anniversary’s coming. I don’t want you looking like hell.”
She forced a smile. “Okay.”
Maybe he lingered too long. Sophia appeared at the door, clearly Irritated. “Are we going to the art exhibit or what?”
Alex smiled, casually wrapped an arm around her, and walked off.
Emily’s phone buzzed – it was the county clerk’s office. Her name change paperwork had been processed. The new identity was official.
She didn’t hesitate. Packed only the essentials, took Ethan’s urn, and walked out of the penthouse for the last time.
She filed her paperwork, got a new identity, opened a bank account, and booked a one–way flight to Eldergrove, Russia
As she boarded the plane, something inside her shifted. A weight lifted.
Cradling Ethan’s urn, her eyes filled with tears.
She wasn’t Alex’s anymore.
She was free.
