Tessa proudly captioned her post: [Wedding rehearsal, perfectly completed.]

A flood of people, blissfully unaware of the truth, liked and congratulated her.

I tapped the "like" button without a second thought.

But no sooner had I set my phone down than Elliot called.

"Leah, do you really have to be this pathetic?" he snapped.

"Tessa's condition has just improved and you’re deliberately provoking her?"

I sighed, unable to hide my frustration. "It was just a like. Does that really count as provoking her?"

Elliot's voice was thick with irritation. "From now on, stay invisible when Tessa’s around."

"If you dare mess with her again, we’re done."

I replied, "Okay."

Without hesitation, I hung up, grabbed my bag and booked a flight.

A museum had been inviting me to consult on an art project for months.

But I had turned it down each time because of Elliot.

Now, it was time to stop letting him control my life and start living for myself.

Two days later, I stood in the bustling terminal of the international airport, dragging my suitcase behind me like a heavy weight that mirrored my heart.

After boarding the plane, my phone buzzed with a message from Elliot.

[I only have two hours today.]