WRITER'S POV:
The safehouse was too quiet.After the night they had, silence felt unnatural. Ivy wandered through the apartment, arms crossed, mind racing. She didn't want another speech. She didn't want more guns or secrets.She wanted honesty.Cassius sat in the kitchen, drinking something dark and strong. He looked up as she entered, but didn't speak.
She didn't sit."I need to say something," she began, voice tight. "And you need to listen."
Cassius nodded once. "Go on.""I love you."He froze."But I can't live like this."His eyes narrowed slightly, as if bracing for impact."I can't be your secret. I can't be your pet project. I can't survive on adrenaline and stolen moments. I need to know that I'm not just a body you protect—I'm a person you trust."Cassius said"You think I don't trust you?""I think you trust me with your secrets, but not your life. You never let me in, not really. I'm always reacting to your world. Never part of it."Cassius looked at her.stood slowly, walked toward her. "Ivy—""No," she interrupted. "If I stay, I need more than protection. I need freedom. Choices. A future."He was silent.Then, finally—"I didn't think I had the right to offer you one.""A future?"
"A choice" he muttered. He reached into his jacket, pulled out a small envelope. Inside was a plane ticket.Her name. A destination. A quiet city far away.
"You can go. Now. No one will stop you. I'll get you a new life. Safer. Free"
Ivy stared at it
He sat across from her. Leaned forward.Then looked at him."I'm sorry."He looked tired. Raw. Like the act of giving her that ticket physically hurtThat stunned her more than the explosion.Or," he said quietly, "you stay. And we build something better. Together. On your terms." Ivy didn't answer right away.
She walked to the window. Watched the quiet street below swallowed. Hard.I'll think about it," she said at last. "That's all I ask."He stepped behind her, not touching. Just there.Present. Still.For once, not pulling. Not pushingJust... offeringAnd Ivy had never been more terrified—or more free.
Whatever came next, it would be hers to choose.