Page 191 of Money Reigns

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“Mama, I-I have to go,” I choke, and hang up before she can say more.

My phone slips from my hand onto the comforter. I press both palms to my face, breathing sharp and erratic.

There’s no way War hasn’t figured it out.

No way.

That’s why he did this. Why the apartment is redone. Why every inch feels like a replacement life waiting for me.

My chest feels tight.

Too small for my ribs.

For my breath.

For the ache clawing its way up my throat.

This isn’t freedom.

It’s fallout.

That’s why he did this.

Why every inch of this apartment feels curated, clean, safe.

Perfect.

Because it isn’t mine.

It’s his.

A replacement life waiting for me to step into it.

Not a gift.

A cage.

Brody was right.

And I was too blind to see it.

Too lost in War’s voice, his hands, the way he said my name like a prayer he owned.

My breaths come faster.

I can’t be here.

I shove to my feet and rip the closet door open. My suitcase is still there, mercifully untouched, waiting in the corner.

I drag the suitcase out of the closet and start throwing clothes inside, shaking so hard I can barely hold onto anything.

My vision tunnels, corners blackening.

I have to go.

Before I lose the nerve.

Before he finds and talks me into forgiving him.

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