She gulps, her throat bobbing with the effort, then gives a slow, silent nod. I don’t wait for her to say anything else, I just need to get the fuck out of here. I’ve dealt with enough today, and being inside this house a second longer will only make things worse.
I turn on my heel and head for the door. At the threshold of the living room I pause and glance back at her one last time.
“Oh, and Elena—get some fucking counselling. You seriously need help.”
I storm out of the house and into the cold, crisp air—finally able to breathe once again. And as I drive home to my family, I think about Mila, sitting all alone in her small apartment, wondering what she’s up to.Is she doing okay? Is Sofia there comforting her? What is she up to right now?
I meant every word I said to her. I’ll never stop loving her. What we had was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. She’s the one for me. I feel it deep in my soul—deep in my heart. And for that reason alone, I’ll never give up on us. Even if she wants me to let her go now. Even if she chooses to move on without me. I’ll wait—for however long it takes.
CHAPTER 38
Mila
May, 2024.
I step into my apartment after returning to Sydney from a short trip to Melbourne to celebrate my sister’s birthday—my now engaged sister. It still feels surreal that Skylar has found her true love with a man who cherishes her in every way, especially after enduring a painful betrayal. No one is more deserving of such happiness than my big sister and watching her take this next step with her new fiancé, Heath, fills me with a deep, unwavering sense of joy.
When she introduced him to the family for the first time on New Year’s, I knew instantly he was the right one for her. The way he looked at Skylar—like she was his whole universe—and the way he treated her with such care and affection, was all the confirmation I needed to know that Heath was here to stay. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching the two of them so completely in love.
On the flight home, I caught myself reaching for my phone again and again, my thumb hovering over Jason’s name, longing to call and share the good news. But each time, hesitation crept in—a quiet ache blended with fear and nervousness—holding me back.
It’s been nine months since I broke things off with him—nine months of learning how to be okay on my own, without having to depend on anyone. Nine months of healing and battling thedarkness that clung to my mind like suffocating smoke. It was tough, to say the least. But I knew that if I wanted to break free from the pain and trauma of the past, I needed to put in the work.
I made it a point never to miss therapy, even on some days when getting out of bed felt almost impossible. I always showed up to every session. If it weren’t for Dr. Lawson, I would’ve never found my way back to what I once loved—playing tennis. It wasn’t just for exercise, but a vital release—a way to reconnect my mind and body again.
I joined support groups and found myself surrounded by some of the most inspiring people, others who had walked a similar path and whose strength helped carry me through my darkest days.
But the biggest breakthrough in my recovery came when I simply packed my bags and set off on a solo road trip from Sydney to Cairns, hoping to reclaim some of the independence and control I had lost. The change of scenery gave me space to breathe, to sit with my feelings, and to process them at my own pace. That journey became more than just a trip—it was a powerful and healing experience. So much so, that I know I’ll do it again.
After months of therapy and learning how to take back my power and ownership of my life, I’m finally in a place where I can face the future with confidence and hope, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
Spotting a half-empty bottle of apple juice on the bottom shelf, I quickly grab it and take a long, generous sip. Once finished, I throw the bottle in the recycling bin and spend the next half hour unpacking my bags and starting a load of laundry before finally collapsing onto the couch to watch some TV.
Halfway through the documentary, I hear my phone buzz on the coffee table. I reach for it and instantly see a text notification from my sister.
Skylar:Did you get home okay?
Ever since I sat my sister and mother down on the last day of my trip and finally told them everything that happened with Dean and me, Skylar has been checking in on me religiously.
As I expected, there were tears—so, so many tears. Then came their anger towards Dean, wanting him to pay for what he’d done. And finally, guilt settled in, mostly for being completely unaware of what I’d endured and for not being there to help me through it.
As soon as I reassured them that it wasn’t their fault and that I hadn’t faced it alone, thanks to Sofia and Jason, they seemed to ease up a bit.They especially loved the part where I told them how Jason beat the crap out of Dean, sending him flying out of my apartment. Literally. That seemed to genuinely please them.
Me:Sure did! Got in just over an hour ago. How are you? Are you still on cloud 9 or have you finally come back down to earth?
Skylar:I still can’t believe I’m engaged! ENGAGED, Mila! How is this my life right now? Heath pulled the perfect proposal. I didn’t even suspect a thing!
Me:LOL! Yeah, he made us swear to keep it a secret. You should’ve seen how nervous he was when he asked Mum for your hand in marriage. Mum, of course, cried like a baby, but the way he asked was just so damnadorable! You definitely found a winner. I’m so fucking happy for you!
Skylar:Well, my maid of honour, get ready for some serious wedding planning. I want the whole shebang this time!
Me:Really?! I’m so honoured, Skylar. I won’t let you down. Whatever you need, I’ve got you!
Skylar:Good to hear—because we’ve already set a date. It’s happening at the end of this year, late November.
Me:That’s 6 months away!
Skylar:Blame Heath. He said he doesn’t want to wait too long to marry me.
