The driver arrived shortly after. I signed the documents, slipped my ring into the envelope, wedged it into the villa doorframe, and packed only my mother’s belongings.
At the terminal, Rowan was waiting. He took my bag and guided me through the crowds with practiced ease.
Halfway through security, my phone rang. I answered by accident.
“Elara,” Julian said, cheerful, “I picked up the baby and I’m heading back. Want me to grab anything for you?”
Silence.
“I know today was rough,” he added quickly. “Let me make it up to—”
“I want a sunflower,” I interrupted.
It wasn’t about the flower. I just needed him distracted.
“Alright,” he said immediately. “I’ll find one.”
I ended the call and handed my phone to Rowan. “Erase his contact. Block him. Then switch to airplane mode.”
The plane surged into the sky, and for the first time in months, I felt the tightness in my chest loosen.
Goodbye, Julian.
And you won’t enjoy what I’m about to do next.
Julian'S POV