5

Chapter 5

I woke before dawn, my body humming with nervous energy.

Today was the day.

I dressed carefully—jeans, comfortable shoes, a nondescript jacket. Nothing that screamed "running away," just normal Sophia heading to campus.

I left a note on the bed:

Alexander,

By the time you read this, I'll be gone. The divorce was finalized three days ago. I'm no longer your wife, no longer your responsibility. You signed the papers yourself—check the date.

Don't look for me. There's nothing left to find.

Sophia

Short. Final. True.

I grabbed my pre-packed carry-on and walked out of the Sterling estate for the last time.

The morning air smelled like pine and rain. Beautiful. Free.

I didn't look back.

The airport was two hours away. I'd arranged for a rental car under my maiden name, paid in cash. Every step planned, every detail covered.

At a gas station halfway there, I destroyed my old phone and activated the burner.

One text to Rachel: I'm out. Don't tell anyone. I'll contact you when I'm safe.

Her reply came instantly: Be safe. You've got this.

Then I turned off the new phone too, just to be certain.

By 1:30 PM, I was through security at SeaTac, sitting at my gate with terrible coffee and a racing heart.

What if Alexander came?

What if he'd somehow found out, somehow tracked me down?

But the minutes ticked by, and no one came.

No furious CEO storming through the airport.

No lawyers sent to drag me back.

Just me, a boarding pass, and a future I'd chosen for myself.

"Now boarding Flight 332 to Zurich," the announcement crackled overhead.

I stood on shaking legs.

This was it.

The point of no return.

I handed my boarding pass to the agent, who smiled professionally and waved me through.

As I walked down the jet bridge, I felt it—the final snap of whatever connection had tied me to Alexander.

Like a thread being cut.

Like a cage door opening.

By the time I settled into my seat, tears were streaming down my face.

Not sad tears.

Relief.

The plane pushed back from the gate at exactly 2:00 PM.

I watched Seattle disappear beneath the clouds and knew I'd never go back.

Somewhere in that city, Alexander was preparing for his special event.

Would he find my note before or after?

Would he be furious? Relieved?

Did it even matter?

I closed my eyes as the plane reached cruising altitude.

For the first time in four years, I felt like I could breathe.