Chapter 6
That day, I locked myself in my room.]
I didn’t cry. I didn’t scream, I simply sat there in silence, letting the weight of everything settle into my bones.[]
Not long after, my parents returned home.[]
“Florida is thousands of miles away,” my mom said cautiously, watching me like I might shatter at any
moment.]
Behind her, my dad hid behind his newspaper, pretending to read–but I could see the way his eyes flicked over the edge. studying me just as carefully.
I slipped on my coat, brushing off their concern with a lighthearted tone.
“But the weather’s great there, right? Isn’t that the dream–to retire and settle down somewhere warm?–|
I hooked my arm around my mom’s shoulders, squeezing gently.
“The only problem is work. I haven’t found the perfect fit yet, so I’m thinking of opening my own dance studio. It’s a serious decision, but you know me–I’ve never been too concerned about chasing the spotlight.”
My mother frowned, hesitating. “Chloe, honey, are you sure this is what you want?“]
I glanced at my watch and smiled.
“Yes, Mom. I’ve given it a lot of thought.”
My voice was calm, steady. I needed them to believe that.
“I’m fine. I know what I’m doing, so don’t worry about me.
kissed her cheek, a fleeting touch. “You should be more worried about your savings, honestly. Moving is expensive, you know.”
Then I grabbed my keys and walked out the door.
Maybe time and distance would dull the pain. Maybe putting thousands of miles between myself and Leo would finally let me breathe.
I had loved him fiercely, recklessly–too much, probably.[]
But I hadn’t begged, I hadn’t broken!
I had kept my dignity intact]
I thought we would part on neutral terms, go our separate ways with quiet understanding.[]
But I never expected to be locked out.]
I stood in front of his apartment, staring at the keypad.
I entered the passcode.
[Incorrect.
I tried again.
[Incorrect.]]]
And again.
[Incorrect.]
A slow, burning rage unfurled in my chest.
I knocked.
No response.
For the first time in years, I hesitated before calling him.
The phone rang.
Once. Twice. Three times.
Then the line went dead.
I tried again.
The fourth call–straight to voicemail.
The finh–finally, a response.
But it wasn’t a call.
A message popped up instead.
Leo: On a date. Don’t bother me.
1 exhaled sharply, forcing myself not to hurl my phone against the wall
Password.”
I typed the single word, my patience hanging by a thread!!
Seconds later, the message bubble turned red
A bright, mocking exclamation mark
Message failed to send.
I stared at the screen in disbelief
He had blocked me.
He had actually blocked me.
1 pressed my fingers to my temples, rubbing at the headache funding there[]
I should leave. I should just walk away.]
But the more I thought about it the angrier I got.
Fine.
If he wanted to be petty, I could be petty-
I pulled out my phone again–this time, to call a locksmith.[]
