Chapter 7

The decision to give them the house, to frame it as a gift, was liberating. A weight I didn't even know I was carrying lifted from my shoulders. The closing date the realtor had arranged was in five days. The same day as my flight to New York. It felt like fate.

I felt free.

There was one last thing I needed to do. I drove to a small, independent bookstore and bought a first edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird," my aunt's favorite. Then, I went to her cozy little house, the one that always smelled like cinnamon and old books.

She opened the door and pulled me into a fierce hug. "Oh, Angelina. I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too, Aunt Carol," I said, my voice thick.

She held me at arm's length, her kind eyes searching my face. "Are you sure about this? About leaving everything behind?"

"I'm sure," I said, handing her the wrapped book.

She insisted I stay for a few days, and I agreed. Her home was a sanctuary, a quiet place to heal before the next chapter of my life began. We spent the time cooking, talking, and looking through old family photos that didn't include Danial or Ismael.

On my last day, as I was getting ready to leave, she pressed a small, velvet box into my hand.

"This was your grandmother's," she said, her eyes misty. "She wanted you to have it when you got married."

I opened it. Inside was a simple, elegant sapphire pin. "It's beautiful."

"She would be so happy for you, honey," Aunt Carol said, hugging me one last time. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."

As I stepped out her front door, a familiar black sports car pulled up. Danial and Ismael got out, with Judi trailing behind them. They looked surprised to see me there.

"Ange," Danial said, a relieved smile on his face. "We were looking for you at the house."

Aunt Carol tensed beside me. I saw the flicker of panic in her eyes as she remembered her promise to keep my departure a secret. My hug had been a final goodbye.

"I was just saying goodbye," I said, my voice calm. I looked from their faces to my aunt's. "I'm leaving tonight."

"A trip?" Ismael asked, his tone casual. "Where are you going? We'll miss you at the race next week."

Aunt Carol almost spoke, almost revealed that this wasn't just a trip, but I shot her a quick, warning glance.

I deflected, turning my attention to the girl hovering behind them. "Judi, you look like you're feeling better."

"Oh, yes," Judi said, beaming. "Danial and Ismael have been taking such good care of me. They insisted I move into the guest room at the house for a while, just until I'm fully recovered."

The words were meant to sting, a final little twist of the knife. She was officially moving into my old home, my old life.

Danial put his arm around Judi's shoulders, a casual, possessive gesture. It was a clear statement. This is my new reality. This is who I protect now.

"We thought it was for the best," Danial said, his eyes on me, gauging my reaction.

I felt nothing. Just a quiet confirmation of what I already knew.

"That's very thoughtful of you," I said, my tone perfectly even. "Well, I should go. I have a plane to catch."

"Wait," Ismael said, stepping forward. "Let us drive you to the airport. We can help with your bags."