RYAN POV

In life, the sooner one decides,it might be for better or worse. With a heavy heart, I left Ariel that night. I wasn't happy about it, but I had to go.

My conscience kept prickling me, as I really hoped I could come back on time and make it up to her. For now, I had to meet with Evelyn, who, according to the doctor, needed to be watched.

She could harm herself without thinking. She was entirely different from the Evelyn I knew. My time with her made me see clearly her sense of wanting to compete with Ariel.

I still pitied her, though. My drive to...