*Ashley*
The winter sun shines brightly from a blue sky as I step out of Lucas’s building, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. This is it. My fresh start. I take a deep breath and head to the nearest bank to cash the check. The process is surprisingly quick considering the a point, but I guess the bank it used to catering to the rich and eccentric. Now the crisp bills fill my bag, a tangible representation of my newfound freedom.
With my heart pounding, I walk to a local high end jewelry store. I have a few pieces that I no longer want… gifts from Lucas that carry memories I’m ready to leave behind. As I step inside, the scent of polished wood and delicate fragrances surrounds me. A friendly woman approaches, her smile warm.
“Can I help you?” she asks, eyeing the jewelr
