“No. I don’t hate you. I simply don’t belong to you anymore.”
He nodded painfully.
“I hope you become someone who doesn’t need to hurt others to feel powerful,” I added.
“I’m trying.”
I believed him, but I also understood that his future was no longer my responsibility.
Grant and I walked down the courthouse steps together.
Three days later, Brad and Chase were found guilty. They received probation, fines, and community service. Their platforms and sponsorships disappeared, ending the channel that had rewarded their cruelty.
That evening, Grant and I sat on Aunt May’s porch watching orange and pink light spread across the water.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
“Free.”
He squeezed my hand.
“I’ve been thinking about staying here permanently.”
“Only thinking?”
“It depends on whether I have a reason.”
I smiled.
“You might.”
Six months later, we purchased a small house together. Both our names appeared on every document because neither of us believed partnership required one person to disappear.
