Chapter 140

Emma's POV

The room was deathly quiet now. Even the whispers had stopped. I could feel everyone’s eyes on us, but I didn’t care. I had to say this. I had to get it out before I lost my nerve.

"I’m leaving," I said, my voice soft but firm.

"Please," I whispered. "Let me go."

For a moment, I thought he would fight me. I thought he would grab my hand, pull me back into his world, and refuse to let me walk away. But instead, he just stood there, his face pale, his eyes full of regret.

"Emma…"

I shook my head. "Goodbye, Ryan."

And with that, I turned and walked out of the office. The silence followed me, the weight of everyone’s stares burning into my back, but I didn’t look back.

I walked down the hallway, my heart heavy but resolute. The tears blurred my vision, but I kept moving, one foot in front of the other. For the first time in a long time, I was choosing myself. I was choosing my freedom.

And for once, I wasn’t looking back.

********

I reached home and after changing to my nigh