The drive felt longer than I expected.
By the time I reached my sister’s city, the sun was already beginning to drop. My hands were tired from holding the steering wheel, and my eyes burned from the long drive, but I kept going. I didn’t turn back. I didn’t even think about it. For the first time, I was driving somewhere because I wanted to, not because Ryan expected me to.
When I finally pulled into my sister’s street, I saw her standing outside the gate. She waved when she saw my car. I parked and switched off the engine. For a few seconds, I simply sat there. Then I opened the door.
My sister rushed toward me. “Bella.”
She pulled me into a hug. I held her tightly. “Hey,” I whispered.
She pulled away and looked at my face. “You look exhausted.”
“I am.”
“Come inside.”
She reached
