Diane's POV

The restaurant door closes behind me with a soft finality. I feel all the emotions I can think of, anger, hurt, betrayal and a devastating sadness that churn in a toxic cocktail. I see the sleek black car idling at the curb and walk right past it.

"Ma'am," the driver calls out, but I don't break my stride. Fuck him. Fuck Jason and his control disguised as protection.

My phone vibrates in my bag against my hip. I stop walking, fumbling with the clasp as the ringtone begins its third cycle. Elise's name flashes on the screen. I answer immediately, my voice tight.

"Hi."

"I'm so sorry for...