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ADELINE’S POV

FIVE YEARS AGO

I had just signed the divorce papers and It felt like my heart was being ripped out.

I stood in the middle of my bedroom, staring at the open suitcase on my bed. Clothes were scattered everywhere, and I couldn't focus on packing.

My hands trembled as I picked up a dress and folded it, placing it carefully in the suitcase.

Xander and I were over. There was no going back. He had left a blank cheque for me, asking me to write any amount I wanted as compensation.

I hadn't even touched it. The thought of taking his money made me sick.

I was leaving for Europe. I had decided to book a one-way flight to London. I needed to get away, far away where they would never find me or hurt me again.

I had nothing in America anymore. Not a family, and not a husband. I took a deep breath and continued packing.

My fingers brushed over a picture frame on the nightstand. It was a photo of Xander and me, taken on our wedding day. I looked so happy and he looked aloof.

I coul