Chapter 8

Taking my silence as surrender, he softened his tone.

"Good girl. You're smart. You know what's best for you."

"I already promised Chloe's mother a wedding.

Her mom would destroy her if I backed out.

But don't worry—you'll always be the special one to me."

"My estate on Long Island is ready. It's quiet.

Just lay low there while I handle the wedding.

I'll visit you all the time, I swear."

He finally said it.

I looked straight at him.

"No need. We're—"

Before I could even finish, he cut me off.

"Oh, save it, Ella. Who else do you even have?

Stop acting tough."

"I'm running late. Pack your things and head over."

I shook my head and started packing in silence.

Erasing every trace of my existence in this place.

I pulled out my phone to book a moving van.

Then, a message popped up.