---- around either. That kind of mess would be trouble for everyone. Alexander gave me one last look. Reluctant. Regretful. But he turned and left. Ethan smiled and opened his arms like a goofy big brother. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one's messing with you." He ruffled my hair, gentle and light. "Professor Foster personally asked me to keep an eye on you. You're his favorite." 'And as his top student, there's no way I'm letting you get hurt.' Right then, | lost it. Tears just spilled over. Because in that moment. | felt like | had a home again. The divorce hearing happened two weeks later. ---- | pushed hard for it, and finally, | had the papers in hand. The weight lifted. I knew Alexander had been showing up outside the lab every day. Waiting. But | never went out to see him. Not once. Holding that divorce certificate felt like freedom. He still tried, Followed me out of the courthouse, one last shot at winning me back. But Ethan pulled up right outside in his car. He was dressed ridiculously flashy-said it was to celebrate my single and fabulous" status. 'if we don't leave now, we're gonna miss the flight!" Alexander froze. "You're going somewhere?" 'Not your concern anymore, is it?" Truthfully, Ethan and I were just going on a field study trip. ---- But | didn't feel like explaining \ climbed into his car, and the speakers were playing some chill throwback from the '90s. In the rearview mirror, | saw Alexander standing behind us. Fading into the background And I? Iwas headed somewhere far, far away. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!