16

SORAYA

I stared at the words, the ink smudged by my tears. It was far from enough. It didn't say how much he meant to me or explain how grateful I was to him for… well, everything. But what more could I say? Nothing. Nothing could make this right or possibly soften the blow of what I was about to do. My heart was heavy as I slipped off the cold metal of my engagement ring, leaving it next to the note— a final heartbreaking gesture of the life I was giving up.

With a wracking sob I went back upstairs. I grabbed my single bag and took a deep breath, ensuring all of the tears on my face were gone before I stepped outside, holding Kaylee close to me. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the yard.

And there he was. Xaden. Leaning against the car in— the smug smile plastered on his face only deepened my resentment. How could he stand there so calmly after everything he had done?

“Is that all?” he asked casually, his eyes flicking to the small bag in my hand.

I bit back the urge