Chapter 70 The resignation

The next morning, I woke up with a heavy heart. The reality of what I had decided hit me like a ton of bricks—I was going to leave the lab, and with that, I was stepping into a new chapter of my life where there was no turning back. The lab had been a sanctuary of sorts, a place where I could pretend, even for a little while, that I was still the old Jessica. But now, it was nothing more than a ticking time bomb, ready to explode if I stayed too long. I couldn’t linger on it, though. I had to keep moving forward. There was no room for hesitation or doubt. My mind was already racing with plans—how I would exit without arousing suspicion, what excuses I could give to explain my sudden departure. I knew Mr. Smith wouldn’t buy whatever story I told him, but I had to try. As I prepared to head out, I received a text from Noah. Noah: We need to meet. Let’s talk before you go to the lab. I texted back immediately. Jessica: On my way. When I arrived at the usual spot in the woods, Noah