Elena’s POV
Jack’s little hand was wrapped tightly in mine as we walked past the departure board. His backpack bounced against his shoulder with every step, the bright cartoon print a stark reminder of how small he still was.
“Mom, are we really going on a plane?” he asked, his voice a mixture of nerves and excitement.
“Yes, sweetheart.” My voice cracked, so I cleared my throat. “We’re going somewhere safe. Just you and me.”
Safe.
We are going to be safe.
That was the word I kept repeating in my head, like a prayer I didn’t quite believe in.
Every step forward felt like dragging my heart across glass. I wasn’t just leaving a man. I was leaving behind five years of pretending. Five years of lying to myself.
I told myself it was the right thing. That Dax didn’t dese
