Elizabeth’s POV

I walked away from them—away from May and Joshua. My hands were shaking, but I didn’t look back. If I did, I knew I’d crumble. My heart was still pounding hard, but it wasn’t fear anymore. It was something else—release.

I had said it out loud. I loved Sebastian.

No more hiding, no more shame.

The air outside was cooler than before. The sun had gone down, leaving streaks of gold behind the buildings. I pressed my lips together, trying to steady my breath. ...