As I scrolled through, my hands began to shake again. Before I could even finish reading, Leon called once more. Against my better judgment, I answered, his voice hitting me like a slap.
"Emily, transfer me the money! Five thousand! Do you know that dress you walked out with costs five thousand? Hurry up and send it!"
His words were sharp, relentless, as if the only thing on his mind was the price tag on the dress I'd left in. He didn't ask if I was okay or where I was and I felt my heart sink further. Looking down at the now-dirty hem of the gown, I bit my lip, forcing myself to remain calm. With a bitter laugh, I transferred six thousand—enough to cover any extra damage in case the boutique charged him more. The phone chimed as the transaction went through and almost immediately, Leon stopped calling. My phone fell silent.
In the sudden quiet, I glanced around the room. The walls were filled with photos of us—moments I'd once cherished, each now like a thorn piercing deeper into my heart. Slowly, the adrenaline drained from my body and a throbbing pain radiated from the cut on my foot, now fully registering for the first time.