The second the word left my mouth, my entire body began to tremble.
Not from fear.
From the overwhelming rush of excitement I could barely contain.
I had never dared to resist Ethan.
Not even in my dreams had I imagined saying something that went against his wishes.
But right then, standing face-to-face with him, I had finally done it.
I opened my mouth, and all the words I had buried deep inside for five years came pouring out.
"For five years, I've thought about leaving you every single day. I'm not something you own.
"Ethan, I'm tired of living under your constant surveillance. I want a life of my own, a life without you in it."
The entire hall fell silent.
So quiet that it felt like even breathing had become forbidden.
Even Serena stood frozen in place.
After a long pause,
