Chapter 10: Ayla's POV
I cannot breathe.
The penthouse suddenly feels smaller, tighter, like a cage. The walls are closing in, the air is too thin.
I grab my phone, my keys and a small bag.
I don't pack. I don't plan.
I just leave.
The elevator ride is agonizing.
I watch the numbers descend. 50... 40... 30...
The lobby is empty and the press is gone, Derrick must have cleared them out.
I walk out the back entrance and hail a taxi.
"Where to?" the driver asks.
I don't have an answer.
"Just drive," I say. "I'll tell you when I know."
As he drives, I watch the city blur past, the skyscrapers, the traffic.
I think about Derrick Ashford, about his arms around me.
His lips on mine, his voice in my ear.
"The woman I love."
I think about Elena's mother and her vicious words.
