Painful Separation

Flora stood firm, her gaze unwavering as Adrian's footsteps echoed on the ground. The man who had once been her world now felt like a stranger, and the words that left her lips were filled with a quiet strength she hadn't known she possessed.

"I already told you, Adrian. I’m not going back with you."

Her voice came out even, but the rise in her chest was a strain that threatened to spill over. She clenched her fists tighter to still the tremor that ran through her as ...