Bella's POV
"I kept sinking deeper into his trap. I've been paying off that debt for years, but now I'm finally free. I don't care anymore. If they want to come after me for breaking our agreement, let them. I'm done caring, Bella, because I can't survive without you. Do you understand me?" His voice cracked with desperation.
My entire body went rigid. For a heartbeat, I felt like that timid girl I used to be, the one who never dared to speak her mind.
The pain in his voice was so intense that any response seemed inadequate.
"I don't know how to respond," I whispered, forcing myself to breathe steadily.
