Chapter 5

Antonio’s expression darkened as he processed Shawn’s words. His grip tightened on the utensils, knuckles whitening.

But before he could react, Grace’s trembling hands clutched the edge of the table, and she slowly stood up.

She swayed slightly but caught herself, inhaling deeply. Her entire body still bore the weight of trauma, but something in her eyes changed. It wasn’t just fear anymore—it was resolve.

“You’re wrong, Shawn.” Her voice was hoarse but steady. “You and your kind never owned me.”

Shawn smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Oh? Is that so?”

Grace turned to Antonio, her expression unreadable. “Take me home.”

Antonio hesitated, perhaps expecting a breakdown or more pleading. But Grace simply stepped away from the table, her back straight, waiting.

A storm of emotions flickered across Antonio’s face before he exhaled sharply and led her out.

—

Back at the villa, Antonio watched Grace with conflicted eyes. He had expected the same submissive, broken girl from before, but something had shifted in her.

She no longer cowered in his presence. Instead, she stood tall, her arms crossed protectively around herself.

“You knew,” she said, breaking the silence. “You always knew something was wrong, didn’t you?”

Antonio’s jaw tightened. “I thought—”

“You thought I deserved it,” she finished, her tone devoid of anger but full of quiet understanding. “That’s what makes it worse.”

His silence confirmed everything.

Grace turned away, staring at the moonlit window. “I used to think if I just obeyed, if I just proved myself, things would go back to how they were. But I understand now. There is no going back. And I don’t want to.”

Antonio stepped forward. “Grace, I—”

She shook her head. “I’m leaving.”

His face paled. “You can’t just—”

“I can,” she interrupted, her voice firm. “And I will.”

For the first time in months, Grace felt the weight on her chest lighten. She didn’t know where she was going, but it didn’t matter. She had survived. And now, she was going to live.

Antonio didn’t stop her this time. He just stood there, watching as Grace walked away from him, from her past, from everything that once defined her.

And as she stepped into the night, a small, uncertain smile crossed her lips.

She was free.

THE END