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CHAPTER 9

Penulis: CagalieYula
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-28 22:10:59

I knew that if I truly wanted to move forward, I had to cut all ties with the Ortegas once and for all. Adam’s words had shaken me, but Brent was right—holding onto the past, even the good parts, would only keep me stuck in a life I no longer wanted.

The decision didn’t come easily. For a long time, I had convinced myself that leaving their house, their name, and their influence was enough. But staying in the same city, breathing the same air as them, still tied me to them in ways I hadn’t even realized. Everywhere I went, there was a reminder—an old restaurant Jeff and I used to dine at, a familiar road I had driven down countless times, even a passing glance at someone wearing the same cologne he used to wear. I was shackled to memories, and I was done with them controlling my life.

So I made the call.

“I’m leaving,” I told Brent and Sabrina later that evening, standing in the dimly lit office of my apartment. My voice was firm, even as a part of me ached at the finality of it.

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