Aria’s POV
The paperwork felt heavy in my trembling hands. My heart hammered against my ribs—each beat a war drum counting down to the moment I’d finally set myself free.
I have to let him go, I thought, my fingers white-knuckled around the envelope.
Julian’s eyes locked onto it. His jaw clenched.
“What’s that?”
“Take it. Check it out first.” I thrust the papers toward him. “I have already signed it.”
“Aria, really?”
“Yes. I mean it.” I shoved the envelope into his chest. “I’m done. Whatever this is between us—it ends today.”
Julian’s hand closed around the envelope. He glanced around the room, his expression eerily controlled, like a predator calculating its next move.
“What about your mother?” His eyes bore into mine. “How do you intend to pay her bills?”
The question slammed i
