MELISSA'S POV

It was 5:00 p.m. when I finally sat on the edge of my bed, fully dressed, staring at the suitcase that had been waiting by the door since morning. The decision was already made, yet my heart still trembled like a leaf caught in the wind. My ride to the airport had been booked hours ago, the confirmation email still flashing across my phone screen as though to remind me there was no turning back.

I stood slowly, scanning my apartment one last time. The cream-colored curtains ...