Chapter 40

Astria’s POV

“Excuse me, is this your place?!” Layla’s shocked voice pierced the air as we emerged from the car.

“Yep, welcome to the most magnificent mansion of Heaven Avenue,” I replied with a bitter tone, my gaze fixed on the once-happy home that now carried the weight of bitterness and pain. That was its only significance now.

“You see that fourth window over there?” I pointed.

“Yeah?”

“That used to be my mom’s room, the room I almost jumped from when I couldn’t bear everything anymore.” Layla stood frozen, unable to comprehend the revelation I had just made.

“Ho-how? Why?” She stammered.

“Even looking back, there seemed to be no reason to keep living at that time. My fiancé had left, I was bullied relentlessly in school, and I was being abused at home.”

“I’m so sorry, Tria,” Layla offered sympathetically.

Layla’s words were comforting in their simplicity, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me.

“B