Maya's POV
I found myself slipping back into memories from a year ago. The sting of that time hadn't fully faded, but the pain had dulled—just a little—after I slapped Adonis.
It felt like a small victory. A rebellion, even. But deep down, I knew that slap had consequences. Adonis Monleon never let things go. And I could already sense he was plotting his next move. Still, I wasn't afraid anymore. He'd hurt me so many times before—what difference would one more wound make?
His cruelty had become familiar, like a storm that always circled back. Maybe that was why I took the summer job at Rich's family's flower farm. There, I wasn't a target. I wasn't invisible either. I was someone who mattered—even if it was just to the roses and sunflowers.
I dropped the last bundle of laundry into the basin with a wet thud, trying to drown out my thoughts of him. I hated that Adonis had shown up this morning, ruining the quiet peace I'd carved out for myself.
