“Elissa!” Savannah called out sharply as she turned to her daughter.

“Mom!”

“Go get your things!”

“Oh—okay!” Elissa answered and bolted upstairs.

“Elissa!” Ernest called after her, trying to stop her. But it was no use.

“Mr. Flynn.” Savannah stepped in front of him and blocked his path. Her voice was steady, unflinching. “You’re not stopping me. Not today. Elissa is leaving with me—no matter what.”

Ernest stood frozen, utterly helpless. He couldn’t disrespect Savannah. He couldn’t lay a hand on her. That would be the end of him—and he knew it. All he could do was watch.

A moment later, footsteps echoed from upstairs. Elissa came down, carrying a small travel bag in one hand and a backpack over her shoulder.

“Mom, I’m ready.” She had only packed the essentials. Her face was calm, her resolve firm.

“Good girl.” Savannah stepped forward and took the bag from her. “I’ll carry this. Let’s go.”

“Okay.” Elissa nodded and linked her arm with her mother’s. She didn’t spare Ernest a glance as they headed straight for the door.

“Elissa!” Ernest’s voice cracked. His brows were knit so tight, it looked like pain. “Don’t go. What about Locke? The first thing he does every day when he gets home is to find his mom. How will I explain to him if you’re gone?”

Elissa stopped in her tracks. His words hit her like a blow.

“Elissa!” Savannah snapped. “Don’t fall for it. He’s using the kid against you. If he truly cared about Locke, he’d let the boy leave with you.” She tugged on Elissa’s arm. “Come on.”

Elissa blinked, her eyes clearing. “You’re right. Let’s go.”

“That’s my girl.”

g?ν. –

“Elissa!” Ernest called one last time, his voice pleading.

Elissa’s heart twisted at the thought of Locke, but she clenched her jaw and walked away. This was her moment—and she had to take it.

Outside, a car Savannah had arranged was already waiting at the curb. Once they were inside, Savannah gave the driver the name of a hotel and told him to head there.

She hadn’t lived in Srixby for years. She no longer had any property in town, and there had been no time to secure a place. A hotel was the only option for the time being.

Elissa sat beside her, silent and distant. Her eyes were blank, her thoughts clearly far away. Savannah noticed. She sighed softly to herself.

She understood. Elissa was heartbroken over leaving Locke. Savannah couldn’t help but feel responsible. Years ago, she had worried that Elissa might never conceive again, so she had supported her decision to carry Locke to term. But she had also been the one to send the boy away, convinced it was the right choice.

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