Kate’s POV
The cold evening air hit my skin the moment I stepped outside the prison gates. Freedom, at last. It was supposed to feel exhilarating, like I could finally breathe after being suffocated for months. Instead, all I felt was exhaustion.
My eyes scanned the parking lot, my heart lifting slightly with anticipation. Any moment from now, Marcus would pull up, with that smug grin of his, arms open like I was the best thing to ever happen to him. No doubt, I am.
But then, there was no black Audi. No familiar tall figure leaning against the car, waiting for me. My fingers clenched around the plastic bag holding the few possessions I had left. Maybe he was running late.
I checked my phone, finally returned to me after months of deprivation. No missed calls. No texts.
I exha
