---- Chapter 6 I screamed and jolted awake. As I gasped for breath, a flight attendant's gentle voice pulled me back to reality. "Ma'am, are you alright? We'll be landing soon." I took a moment to steady myself. Only then did I realize I was on the plane, and my seatbelt was securely fastened. Outside the window, an unfamiliar city stretched out below. For the first time in what felt like forever, a sense of peace settled over me. I took a deep breath and pressed a hand to my lower abdomen. Thankfully, my uterus was intact. I'd made it in time. Dragging my suitcase behind me, I stepped out of the airport and into the sunlight. The warmth enclosed me, easing the nightmare's lingering ---- chill. At that very moment, I felt like life was giving me a second chance. Then, I snapped my SIM card in half before tossing it into a trash can by the curb. I was certain Ambrose would text me. But I had no interest in reading his messages or hearing any more of his pathetic excuses. Back in the city, Ambrose stared at the messages he had sent on WhatsApp. There was only one tick. That was when it hit him-I'd blocked him. He called again and again. Yet, no one picked up. Out of nowhere, a cold dread settled in his gut. He got into his car and sped back to the apartment. The second he opened the door, he froze. Blood still stained the entryway floor. Only then did he ---- remember how the bleeding from that day had been far heavier than any period. Why hadn't he noticed? Why had he let anger and shame cloud his judgment? Why hadn't he checked on me? Guilt came crashing down on Ambrose. For the first time, he admitted that he had been cruel. He stumbled into the living room and found it nearly empty. All the trinkets and decor we had picked out together were gone. It was as if I had never lived there at all. Ambrose couldn't help but wonder when the place started looking so bare. He tried to recall, but his memory failed him. All he remembered was how, during that time, his thoughts had been consumed by Nellie's alluring smile and tender embrace. He couldn't even. remember the last time we'd spoken or the last time he'd held me.