Harlan's company collapsed spectacularly. He was drowning in debt that would take a decade to repay.

His reputation was destroyed, his finances ruined.


My revenge was complete, but the victory felt hollow.

How had we come to this?

The whole situation just seemed pathetic now.


If he'd just loved me properly, none of this would have happened.

…


Word spread that Harlan had sold his condo to pay creditors. Vanessa was unceremoniously sent packing.

Vanessa's true nature became common knowledge. Former friends avoided her, and her company fired her after the scandal.

Her mother flew back from abroad, desperate to marry her off before her reputation completely tanked.

After just three blind dates, she landed in prison for intentionally injuring someone.

I didn't know who tipped off the police about her attacking me at the river, but it felt like poetic justice.

I left Tim a thank-you letter and organized his entire customer database, complete with pet vaccination schedules and grooming preferences.

I bought a one-way ticket to Europe, packed light, and disappeared.

I wanted to see mountains and oceans I'd only read about.

For too long, I'd lived in the tiny world Harlan designed for me. Now I would live for myself.

Now I was free—truly free.

I hiked through Alpine meadows, swam in crystal lakes, and wandered ancient cities without a schedule or plan.

I lost myself in bustling markets and quiet museums.

Each day brought new wonders.

Under a Santorini sky blazing with stars, I closed my eyes and made a wish.

I suddenly remembered my birthday during junior year.

Harlan had played guitar under a starry sky, singing a song he'd written just for me.

I'd smeared frosting on his nose, laughing as I made him promise we'd travel the world together someday.

That felt like another lifetime now.

Long enough for love to turn to hatred and then to nothing at all.

The memory of that boy faded like mist. I opened my eyes to the vast, indifferent stars.

I'd traveled alone to all the places we'd dreamed of visiting together. The solitude didn't diminish the beauty—it enhanced it.

I was just a traveler now, answerable only to myself.

Having seen what I needed to see and done what I needed to do, it was time to move on.

I took one last look at this beautiful, cruel world.

"System, I'm ready to leave."

"Acknowledged, host."

Goodbye, Harlan Sawyer. We won't meet again.