They stopped in front of her small cottage nestled in what seemed like a forest.
Well, not really a forest. It was just a remote area with plenty of trees.
Peace preferred it that way—away from the noise of the city. Riley was her occasional chauffeur when she had to venture out, but life here was peaceful.
Her small farm buzzed with animals, and she often spent mornings fishing in a nearby stream. Her daily commute involved a bicycle ride to the school where she taught.
"Put my number on speed dial," Riley said firmly, breaking her reverie.
Ashley, ever observant, scanned the area with a wary expression. "Be safe, okay?"
Peace nodded, offering a small wave as they drove off, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
She took a deep breath, stepping into her cottage with a bright smile. "Tonight, we clean," she said aloud to no one in particular.
Her cleaning ritual was thorough. Every inch of the wooden interior gleamed by the time she was done, though morning had long since passed. She stretched, her muscles aching, and decided on a refreshing swim in the stream.
Despite her inability to swim, she loved the water. Few people knew about the stream, and it felt like her little secret.
She quietly made her way through the trees, following the rocky path as sunlight filtered through the canopy. The morning light reflected on the water, casting golden ripples.
"Perfect," she murmured with a bittersweet smile.
A perfect place to disappear, she thought. Away from the world. Away from people. Away from him.
She silenced her phone and peeled off her dress, tossing a floater into the stream. Testing the water with her toes, she sighed at its perfect coolness before stepping in.
But she wasn't going to drown herself because of Draco. No, if he thought she was fragile enough to break, he was wrong.
The sound of a pebble splashing made her freeze. Her eyes snapped open, scanning the trees.
"So, what now? You're a coward hiding in the bushes?" she taunted bitterly.
Silence.
Her anger flared. "Screw you!" she shouted, stomping out of the water.
Back at her cottage, she changed into a bikini and wrapped a skirt around her waist. Summer was no time for heavy clothes, and she wasn't going to let anyone ruin her day.
She grabbed a book, her sunshades, and a bottle of liquor before settling on the hammock outside.
The hours drifted by as she sobbed over the tragic story of a man losing his dog, the bottle dwindling steadily until the sun blurred in her vision.
"You're drunk," came a familiar voice.
She looked up, startled, to see him—Draco—sitting on the swing set opposite her. He was dressed impeccably in a full suit, as always.
She sniffled, cheeks flushed from both tears and alcohol. "Why are you crying?" he asked softly.
"The dog died," she hiccuped. "It was so sad."
He studied her with those dark, unreadable eyes before handing her a bouquet of sunflowers. "I've only ever hurt you," he said quietly.
She wiped her tears, offering him a weak smile. "We hurt each other. You tried to kill me first. Then I tried to put you in prison. I guess we're even."
He shook his head, his voice breaking. "No. I won't lie to you. I hurt you. I liked hurting you. I liked hurting myself. And it's sick."
She stared at him, silent.
"I'm such a coward," he whispered. "I can only say this when you're drunk."
She nodded knowingly. "Abused by your mom. Abused by your dad. Abused by your friends. Abused by me... That breaks a person, doesn't it? Turns them into a monster."
His silence was an answer in itself.
"But does that mean hurt people don't deserve love?" she murmured, more to herself than to him. "If we abandon all the broken, toxic people in the world, will anyone ever be healed? Will anyone ever be loved?"
He watched her, his expression softening as she hiccupped and giggled bitterly.
"I still don't want you back, though," she said firmly.
"I know," he replied with a faint smile.
"You're scary," she whispered.
"I can change," he said, holding her gaze.
Her hostility wavered for a moment.
"I want to change," he repeated, his voice steady. "I don't want to hurt you anymore."
She sighed, climbing out of the hammock.
"Peace," he called after her.
"No!" she shouted, storming toward her cottage.
"Please!" he pleaded.
"No!"
"Peace!" he called again as she reached the door.
She spun around, tears streaming down her face. "No! You're a monster! Monsters don't change! They evolve, and they hurt you more!"
The door slammed shut, silencing him.
And then the power went out.
"Shit," she muttered to herself, gripping the edge of the table to steady her shaking hands.