Chapter 257

Ethan stood silently still. He'd never expected me to speak so bluntly, and nor had he anticipated my every word to leave him speechless. "I've said everything I need. Let's end it here if there's nothing else to tell me." The hole left in my heart would forever remain empty, and no one could fill it. Grandma was the only color in my childhood and the sole hope in my life like the last safe harbor I could return to after wandering for so long. I sighed deeply and regained my composure. Looking at Grandma's grave, I felt an overwhelming sorrow. I didn't know how to face it all, and it felt as if the sky had collapsed. Jack had brought me so much pain and used me from time to time, but I'd never cried even through all of that. I just wanted to break free in my own way and find my path again. When Grandma had been used as a bargaining chip, my only recourse had been to retreat. I gave in time after time, but I got absolutely nothing in return. Since Ethan had nothing more to say, I