Chapter 67

ARIANA'S POV

As I stood on the balcony with Robert, the weight of my decision pressed down on me like a heavy cloak, suffocating me with its burden.

"Ari…please even if not for me, for Nate's sake. He worships you. God!" He threw up his hands in the air frustrated and I wished I could just hug him and tell him that I was going to stay with him. I wanted to. But I couldn't.

His words hung in the air, thick with desperation and longing, but I knew I couldn't falter now. Not after everything that had happened.

I instead moved past him and walked away from him, my heart heavy with emotion. I knew I had to leave, for my own sake and for Nate's. We couldn't continue with this toxic pattern, not when a child was involved.

As I packed my few things into a carry on bag, I felt a sense of liberation wash over me. I was finally taking control of my life, finally standing up for myself.

This entire experience had been a lesson for me and I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face wha