Hailee's POV
"Where are you going?" Callum asked… his eyes narrowing as if he already knew he wouldn't like the answer.
"Going home," I replied instantly.
"My brother wants to see me."
I didn't wait for permission.
I didn't wait for his reaction.
I simply turned around and began searching for Oscar so we could leave.
I heard Callum speaking behind me, but I didn't stop. I didn't look back. I couldn't. Not right now. My emotions were too raw, too tangled, too painful.
I finally spotted Oscar in the hallway. His face lit up when he saw me, and something inside my chest loosened.
"Mother!" he squealed, running into my arms.
I picked him up, hugging him tightly as if I needed him to anchor me before dropping him down.
"Let's go, sweetheart," I whispered.
But before I could take another step, Callum's voice echoed again—louder this time, edged with frustration.
"Hailee, just wait."
I didn't.
I kept walking.
