𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨́𝐧 𝐈𝐯𝐲

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟑𝟔.

Armani's Pov
I could sense that something was wrong. The atmosphere had undergone a subtle yet unmistakable shift, altering its demeanor and feeling. Despite my limited time outdoors, I could tell that something unsettling was stirring up in the outside world, something I wouldn't appreciate if I weren't confined. Though I couldn't pinpoint it at that moment, I resolved to do everything within my power to uncover the cause and end the dreadful sensation. It was a persistent, nagging feeling that demanded my attention.

That something had everything to do with Ivy.

The nights were the hardest. Every creak and whisper seemed amplified in the stillness, feeding my growing paranoia. I could feel the weight of unseen eyes watching, judging, waiting for me to break. It wasn't just the oppressive silence that unnerved me, but the sense of an impending revelation, something lurking just beyond the edge of my understanding. My mind raced with possibilities, each more troubling than the last. I knew that to find peace, I had to confront whatever it was head-on, no matter how terrifying the truth might be.

But how?

My court date was finally scheduled, and in just one more week, I would learn the outcome of my asylum hearing. The anticipation made me feel nauseous, as I understood that it could be an eternity before I would experience freedom again. Although I was the cause of our estrangement, I could see that Ivy was just as hurt as I was. The pain in her voice mirrored my own, and it was clear that our separation was taking a toll on both of us. Despite this, I knew deep down that Ivy would eventually move on with her life.

Whether or not I was a part of it, and whether or not she found solace in someone new, she would find a way to heal and continue forward.

I wouldn't.

And i was going to make sure she wouldn't either.

I could sense it, something deep inside telling me that this was exactly what she was planning on doing, and I could tolerate anything but that. The reason I said what I did to Ivy in the first place was because I didn't want her to turn into me. Despite the fact that I let her finish my jobs for me, that was it. That was the only time I allowed her to come into contact with such things. Ivy is a smart, talented woman, and there was no way in hell I would let her ruin her career over something stupid that could easily be avoided.

The difference is, I was born this way. Diagnosed with a slew of mental illnesses when I was just a kid, I always knew I wasn't good for Ivy. She deserved better, but I couldn't bring myself to care. I was selfish and proud, and that's what led us here.

Thankfully, due to being on my "best behavior," I was granted phone calls and visiting opportunities. Not only that, but I secretly added Ivy to my emergency contact list without her knowledge. I still hadn't called her, and I doubted she'd appreciate it if I did, but once again, I couldn't care less. Today, I had a visit scheduled with someone for something extremely important.