Chapter 9 - THE ROOM WITH NO LOCKS
Alexander owned a quiet house outside Chicago.
When my safety became a concern, he offered it as a temporary place to stay.
I hesitated.
"I don't want to be dependent on you."
He nodded.
"Then don't be."
I looked at him.
"What?"
He smiled faintly.
"Use it as a short-term option if you want. Your attorney can arrange a rental agreement. Or choose somewhere else."
I stared.
He continued.
"I don't want to replace Derek's control with mine."
My eyes filled.
For years, people had told me what was best for me.
Alexander was asking what I wanted.
I eventually chose a small apartment near Hannah's workplace instead.
It had two bedrooms.
A balcony.
And windows overlooking a tree-lined street.
The first night, I stood in the living room holding the keys.
There were no cameras.
No passwords Derek controlled.
No rules about when I could leave.
No one checking my phone.
I walked into the bedroom.
Then back into the kitchen.
Then into the hallway.
I laughed.
A strange, breathless laugh.
Because I could move anywhere I wanted.
I could open the refrigerator at midnight.
I could call my sister.
I could wear whatever I liked.
I could say no.
The apartment wasn't luxurious.
May you like
But it was mine.
And for the first time in years, I slept without listening for footsteps.
