If You Leave Me

CHAPTER 13: Delivered, Signed, and Sealed

"Can we just stand still? I will if you will." STILL - Dove Cameron

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The city lights blurred beneath me as I stood on the balcony. It was a cold night, and the breeze felt sharp against my skin, starkly contrasting the turmoil within me. After the meeting, I went home and waited for Caroline to come to my house since I wanted to tell her I would speak to Stephan sooner or later. 

"Sam?" Caroline's voice floated out from the living room. "Are you okay out there?"

"I'm just thinking," I called back, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Mind if I join you?"

"Please do." Caroline stepped out, handing me a steaming mug of tea she'd been holding. We stood in silence for a moment, sipping our drinks and staring at the chaos of the city below.

"Caro," I started, my voice steadier now, 

"I've been doing a lot of reflecting since... everything happened. And I see it clearly now—the part I played in allowing the toxic cycle to continue with Stephan." Caroline leaned against the railing, turning to face me. 

"It's not your fault, Sam. You can't blame yourself for his actions."

"No, but I allowed my boundaries to be crossed repeatedly. I let my fear of loneliness cloud my judgment." I took a sip of my tea, its warmth spreading through me. 

"But now, I'm choosing to break that cycle. I need to establish new boundaries—for my own well-being."

"Boundaries are good," Caroline replied softly. "They're necessary. How do you feel about that?"

"Empowered," I admitted, a small smile on my lips. "Scared, too, but mostly empowered."

"Good." Caroline smiled back. "That's how you know you're making the right decision."

I nodded, setting my mug down on the balcony ledge. "I've realized something else, too. This isn't just about breaking up with Stephan. It's about rediscovering who I am outside of any relationship."

"Exactly," Caroline agreed. "And that's the most exciting part. You get to explore new dreams and set new goals."

"Maybe even reach new heights in my career," I added thoughtfully. "There's so much more I want to achieve, and I can't let anyone hold me back."

"Speaking of which," Caroline interjected, "have you given any more thought to that McLaren deal?"

A spark lit in my eyes. "I have, actually. It could be the fresh start I need. A chance to put myself out there in a new way. I have an awkward situation with Lando and don't know how to handle it. But yeah, I think I should face it. "

"Then go for it," Caroline urged. "You're Samantha Miller—nothing and no one can define what you're capable of except you."

"Thank you, Caro. For believing in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself."

"Always."

With a final glance at the city below, I returned to the apartment. I felt the chapter closing behind me, the pages of my story with Stephan ending, leaving blank pages waiting to be filled with new adventures and new challenges. 

Stephan's POV

I sat alone in his apartment, the silence deafening. After trying to call, apologizing, and making amends, each attempt felt hollow. In the end, Samantha agreed to talk to me. She needed space. I needed to change.