control my emotions. The tears finally break free, and I burst into sobs, my body shaking with an

uld change his ways. The signs were there while we wer

it of anger. The elevator opens, and I step inside, my heart feeling like it's

ash over me. The anger and sadness start to give way to

nd uses them against me, belittling my achievements. "You should leave your jo

f a husband! He had made me feel like I was selfish for wanting to pursue my job, like I was putting my own desir

shiver. I curse myself for not taking a jacket to keep myself warm. With t

va's approval because I thought they were in some sort of relationship. But she refuted the claim and enco

ce choking out as I struggle to compos

's going on? A

's over between me and Maxwell. I just walked in on him

breath, take a cab and com

he can't see me. "Okay," I finally say, my voice ba

rty minutes drive to Rockford feels like the longest I've taken in years, my thoughts in disarra

my way out of the cab. I notice a figure running t

she exclaims, engu

ut she soothes my back as we ma

*

upportive. She takes me in without questions, understanding all I'v

in just fine in Rockford, I feel a sense of relief. Luck is on my side as I land a job in a fancy res

y shift tonight. For the first time in a very

club quickly and go inside. The bouncer, a friend of Ava's, makes ge

d. After a few minutes, I realize I'm alone. When I turn around, my

ctricity runs through my veins as our eyes briefly connect. It feels like an unseen link connects

ook again, the stranger is nowhere to be seen. But I can't