That morning, Adrian sat in his office. Sunlight slipped through the thin curtains, yet it did nothing to chase away the darkness consuming his mind. On the desk, Deviana’s letter still lay crumpled, worn from being clenched too many times.

“I choose to leave before I’m completely destroyed. Don’t look for me.”

The words struck him again and again. Each time his eyes landed on them, it felt as though his chest was being pounded a thousand times over.

His phone buzzed. Adrian glanced at it. The name flashing on the screen made his breath hitch: Leviana’s mother.

With a heavy hand, he slid his thumb over the green icon....