Annabelle sat stiffly in the back seat of the car.

Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest as if holding herself together.

The pain in her heart felt too heavy to bear, a weight pressing down so hard she could barely breathe. Her gaze was fixed out the window, but she didn’t really see the darkened streets or the glowing city lights streaming past. The only thing swirling in her mind was his voice, those words he had spoken so recklessly.

I love you, Mia Bella.

The phrase echoed in her ears.

It was louder with each repetition, and with it came a surge of emotions she couldn’t untangle....