~CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN~ I finish my breakfast at the café, settle the bill, and step outside into the morning light. A taxi slows at my signal, and minutes later I’m on my way to the dealership. As soon as we stop and I step out, my phone buzzes in my hand. One name flashes on the screen—Blake. I hesitate—then slip the phone into my bag. I will talk to him later. Inside, I’m welcomed immediately—warm smiles, practiced courtesy. A man approaches, confident but respectful. “Good morning, Miss Melissa Lawson. We’ve been expecting you.” So this is him, the voice from the phone. “Good morning,” I reply, returning the smile. “Let’s proceed.” The showroom opens before me, and I slow without meaning to. Rows of luxury cars gleam under soft lights—sleek, powerful, impossibly beautiful. For a fleeting second, I imagine choosing all of them. Freedom on four wheels. When he leads me to the car I initially selected, my admiration returns instantly. Black exterior.
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