Maya’s heart tightened at the vulnerability in Dahlia’s voice. For the first time, the formidable woman before her seemed less a matriarch and more… human. She nodded gently, taking a tentative step forward, ready to bridge the gap that years of absence had carved between them.
She reached out and gently placed her hand over hers, offering a soft, reassuring smile. “I’d love to.”
Her eyes then flicked to Damien. Their gazes locked, an unspoken conversation passing between them—Maya silently telling him it was okay, that she could handle this, that she wanted this moment too.
Damien’s lips pressed into a thin line as he surrendered, nodding slowly.
Maya eased closer, slipping an arm gently around Dahlia’s shoulders, guiding her toward the couch with quiet care. “Come… let’s sit down for
