Maya exhaled, her gaze flicking between Harper—crushed, embarrassed, barely holding herself together—and Damien, whose dark eyes still held a flicker of doubt.
She remembered everything Harper had done for her—how she had guided her through truths too heavy to carry alone. How Harper had looked past her scars without flinching, never judging, only encouraging, always pushing her to take that terrifying step forward. How she had made her feel worthy—more than she ever believed she was—and helped her discover a strength she hadn’t even known lived inside her.
She drew in a steadying breath, and let her voice carry—calm, but edged with steel.
“Damien… that’s unfair.”
His head snapped toward her, caught off guard. Maya didn’t flinch. She held his gaze, inhaled deeply, and pressed on.
“Sh
