The next morning, while they were out, I packed my bags, left my engagement ring in the fridge next to Janet’s infamous homemade pickles, and wrote a simple note: “Thanks for the free test. I’m going home to find real love no grading required.” By the time Brandon returned, I was already on my way to the airport. I blocked his number, deleted the trip photos, and felt a wave of relief wash over me. For the first time in weeks, I could breathe. I wasn’t someone’s test or project I was simply me.