Page 60 of Before Dawn

“Six thousand a month for rent and expenses, until you’re on your feet. Consider it an early graduation gift.”

I sucked in a breath, my fingers tightening around the card. A lump rose in my throat, the weight of their unwavering support pressing into my chest. “Thank you. How will I ever repay you?”

Mom placed a gentle hand on my thigh, grounding me. “You’ve made us proud, Princess. We promised to always support you and your sister.”

Emotion thickened my voice. “You’re amazing parents.”

The heaviness in my chest eased, replaced by something softer—reassurance, love.

For the rest of the evening, we stayed right there. Talking, laughing, justbeing.

Later, Azzaria and I texted about her hot billionaire, whom she still couldn’t wrap her head around, my packing progress, and her plans for the week. We chatted until she had to get ready for a night out with her mom.

I purposely avoided mentioning my breakup. It wasn’t something I wanted to discuss over the phone.

As I settled in for the night, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. Mikkel’s name lit up the screen, and an involuntary warmth spread through my chest. My stomach did a little flip—annoying and impossible to ignore.

Lately, he was everywhere. ANew York Postarticle. AGood Morning Americainterview. His confidence was magnetic, the way he spoke—sharp, controlled, relentless. AndmaybeI wasn’t actively keeping up with him, but the algorithm sure thought I was.

I hesitated before opening his message, but before I could fully process why, another thought snuck in.

Shouldn’t I feel more after leaving Joshua?

The guilt crept in, slow and insidious. Shouldn’t I feel heartbroken? Shouldn’t I be wallowing in regret?

But I wasn’t.

And that scared me more than anything.

I let out a slow breath, staring at the phone in my hand. Maybe I didn’t have all the answers yet. Maybe I was still figuring it out.

But for the first time in five years, I feltfree.

@mikkelsuarezofficial:Hey Red

God, I loved when he called me Red.

Me:Hey!

@mikkelsuarezofficial:You seem happy today. What’s up?

Me:Lounging around the house and you?

@mikkelsuarezofficial:Packing for my flight.

Me:Leaving Chicago already?

@mikkelsuarezofficial:Yeah. I just went for a meeting.

Me:How was it?

@mikkelsuarezofficial:It went great. Thanks for asking.

Me:Of course.

@mikkelsuarezofficial:Your profile picture is gorgeous, by the way.

I pressed my lips together, heat blooming across my skin.

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