Ava's POV

The afternoon sunlight spilled over the compound as I stepped outside, my heels clicking against the pavement. I felt the weight of exhaustion from the night before. I had cried myself to sleep, my swollen eyes a reminder of my vulnerability.

‘Why does it hurt so much? Why do I feel this way?’

But last night and this moment will be the last time I will ever show any vulnerability. No more tears. “They will never see my weakness again,” I muttered to my ears alone.

With renewed resolve, I stepped further outside, my heels striking a confident rhythm against the pavement as I neared the garage.

Today...