Elara's POV
The evening breeze cooled my flushed cheeks as we left the boutique. My heart still hammered against my ribs. Standing up to my father had been liberating, but emotionally draining.
"I need some air," I murmured to Chloe.
She squeezed my arm gently. "Let's walk a bit. Your car can wait."
We strolled in silence along the upscale shopping district. Designer boutiques glowed with warm light against the darkening sky. I took deep breaths, trying to calm the storm inside me.
"You okay?" Chloe finally asked.
"No," I admitted. "But I will be."
Chloe glanced at me sideways. "I'm proud of you back there. You stood your ground."
I shook my head. "I lost my temper. That's not the same thing."
"Sometimes losing your temper is exactly what's needed." Chloe stopped walking and turned to face me. "You've spent years being the perfect, understanding wife. The accommodating ex-wife. The undemanding daughter. It's about time you showed some fire."