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“The accident wasn’t his fault.” I find it necessary to come to his defense, because I don’t want Konstantin doing something to him or starting a fight with his family.

“It’s not? Natalia told me how upset you were. Maybe you weren’t paying attention because you were crying, andthatis his fault.”

I shake my head. “No. That car came out of nowhere.”

“Either way, you and Cillian—that is over. He bothers you, you come to me.”

“Okay.”

But no matter what I tell him, I know I’m not strong enough to resist the pull between us. It’s like a magnet, drawing me in, and I can’t break free.

And I’m so tired of it. Tired of him. Tired of me. Of the endless cycle we’ve spun ourselves into.

“Maybe I need to leave.” The words are raw, but barely above a whisper, as if saying them out loud might make them real.

Konstantin’s eyes narrow, a flicker of concern flashing within them.

“Leave where?” he asks casually, but I can sense the tension in his shoulders.

“Out of the country. Somewhere far away. I need real space. I can't keep doing this to myself. I can't keep pretending I'm fine when everything I feel, everything I want, is still tied to him.”

I can’t believe I'm actually saying this, but the truth is finally spilling out of my mouth like it’s been waiting to escape.

“I need to go, Konstantin,” I continue, barely holding back the tremor. “I need to get away from him. From this…obsession.”

His gaze softens, and I know he understands.

I take a shaky breath. The thought of leaving is so final, so forever, making me feel both terrified and relieved. But I know it’s the only way to break free. To truly heal.

“If that is what you want, I will arrange it.” His tone’s low and steady, like he’s already planning every detail in his head. “But you can’t tell anyone where you’ll be, not even Tatiana. We don’t want your father or Roman knowing where you are. I want you safe.”

He’s right. I’ll have to keep that a secret. My heart twinges.

“Tatiana and Gregory,” I murmur, barely able to get the words out. “I hate to leave them.”

He reaches out, his hand gentle on mine for the briefest moment. “You’re not leaving them forever, Dinara. But you need to get away from him, as you said. You can return whenever you wish. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Right. You’re right. Please don’t tell Tatiana yet. I want to tell her myself.”

“Of course not. That isn’t my place. She’s right out there, if you want to see her. I know she’s been upset ever since she found out.”

“Yes, let me see her. Is Gregory here too?”

“No. This is no place for a child. You will see him when you get home. I will move your things to my house until you’re recovered, and then I will arrange for your trip.” His expression hardens. “I’ll get you a new phone and number. Your old phone is broken. You can’t contact Cillian anymore. Understand?”

The finality of his words hits me like a punch to the gut, but I nod, swallowing down the knot of panic rising in my chest.

“Okay.” The word tastes like surrender. “Will I know where I’m going?”

His mouth tips up. “Not until you get your plane ticket.”

Well, that’s not at all terrifying.

As Konstantin strides away, I close my eyes and whisper a goodbye to Cillian, even though he’s not here to hear it. It’s a goodbye I never wanted to say, but somehow I know it’s the only way forward.

PARTII

CHAPTER30