Chapter 80

Three weeks had passed since that fateful night. Three weeks since Chase had pushed me away, his eyes cold and distant. Three weeks since my world had shattered into a million pieces.

I stood in my bedroom, surrounded by half-packed suitcases and memories. My mother's voice echoed from downstairs, a constant reminder of my impending departure.

"Elodie, come down! We need to finalize the travel arrangements."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me. In 24 hours, I'd be on a plane to Tokyo, bound for my aunt's house. A "temporary" solution, my mother called it. A chance for me to "reflect" on my actions.

But I knew the truth. I was being exiled.

I made my way downstairs, my feet heavy with resignation. My mother stood by the kitchen counter, her eyes still flashing with anger. The same look that had been in her eyes since the night I came back to the house with my head bowed.

"Elodie, I've booked your flight for tomorrow morning. You'll be staying with Aunt Yumi