Chapter 2

The flight back to Boston was a blur. I didn't cry. I just felt numb, hollowed out. I went straight from the airport to the apartment Caleb and I shared. It felt alien, like a museum of a life that was no longer mine.

I packed methodically. My clothes, my books, the design awards I had won. I left everything he had ever given me. I looked at the framed photos of us, smiling and happy. They felt like pictures of strangers. For seven years, I had poured everything I had into him-my money, my connections, my love. I had dimmed my own light so he could shine, believing his success was our success. I remembered all the times he'd "forgotten" his wallet, all the "loans" that were never repaid, all the sacrifices I made that he took for granted. It was a long, painful pattern, and I was finally seeing it for what it was.

I didn't call him. I didn't leave a note. I just packed two suitcases, called a car, and drove to my family's estate.

My parents were waiting. My father, Richard Fuller, stood with his hands in his pockets, his expression stern. My mother stood beside him, her face etched with worry. They had always disliked Caleb, seeing him as an opportunistic social climber who wasn't worthy of their daughter. I had fought them on it for years, defending him, choosing him over their advice.

"He hit you," my father said. It wasn't a question. He saw the faint mark on my cheek.

I just nodded, the shame washing over me.

My mother wrapped her arms around me. "You're home now, sweetheart. You're safe."

My father didn't offer empty comforts. He was a man of action. "I've cut all ties. The Henderson project he was so proud of? My contact just pulled the funding. His access to the Architect's Guild is revoked. He's finished in this city."

I felt a flicker of something, but it wasn't pity. It was relief.

"Good," I said.

The next morning, my father came into the library where I was sketching. "I've arranged a meeting for you," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "With Ethan Lester. You remember the Lesters. His tech company is about to go public. He's a good man, Madisyn. A self-made man."

I was tired of fighting. I was tired of making bad choices. "Okay, Dad."

He looked surprised by my easy agreement. "Good. It's time you met someone of your own caliber."

I met Ethan that evening for dinner. He was nothing like Caleb. He was quiet but confident, with a sincerity that was disarming. He didn't talk about himself or his achievements. He asked about my work, my passions, my dreams. He listened, really listened, when I spoke. There was a respect in his eyes that I had never seen from Caleb.

He was handsome, in a solid, dependable way. And there was a kindness to his smile that made me feel safe. We talked for hours, and it felt effortless.

At the end of the night, he walked me to my car. "I know this is sudden," he said, his voice gentle. "And I know your parents set this up. But I have to be honest, Madisyn. I remember you from a charity gala a few years ago. I've had a bit of a crush on you ever since."

His honesty was a breath of fresh air. I wanted to move on, decisively and completely. I was done with drama and indecision.

"My parents think we should get married," I said, testing the waters.

He didn't even blink. "I think it's a great idea. If you're willing to take a chance on me."

"I am," I said. "Let's do it. Let's get married. Soon."