LAUREN'S POV

“Goodbye, Ethan. This would be the last time you would ever see my face.” I said, my voice steady and firm as I pushed the words out. I didn’t wait for his reply or give him any chance to drag the conversation further. I simply turned around and walked out, letting the heavy door close behind me with a dull echo.

I could still hear him, even as I walked down the long hallway — his sobs growing louder, breaking apart more and more with each step I took away from him. They bounced against the prison walls and followed me like a shadow, but I refused to...