Chapter Fifty Two

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

ARIA

I haven’t heard from Maximo in days, six days to be exact.

At first, I tried to pretend that it was for the best. I finally had my freedom. I was living in a peaceful part of the city, I was chasing my dreams to be a fashion designer. I made a new friend. I was happy.

But deep down in my heart, I longed for him. Every day, I expected him to call or text. I expected him to show up in the apartment. I expected to see or hear from him. But I got none of that.

And the sinking feeling followed. Did he really mean it when he said he no longer cared? Did he hate me now? Had he gotten tired of me?

The questions made my chest squeeze painfully. They distracted me from the fact that I was finally living the life I’d always wanted. I was living on my own terms, away from any harm or danger. No bodyguards or men were watching my every move, telling me I couldn’t leave the house. I should be happy, but I wasn’t. Instead, I only felt worse. If Maximo had dismissed my bodyg