LAUREN'S POV

“I suggest you pick it up and sign it today,” Ethan’s voice cut through the air, each word sharp and deliberate, “because from now henceforth, I am done with you. There’s no reason whatsoever that I need to be in contact with you anymore. When you left, I still had your contact saved because of Elena, but since she’s no longer here, I don’t ever want to see your face again.”

The words slammed into me like a heavy stone striking my chest. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. My fingers tightened slightly against my side as I stared at the ground, not trusting myself to...