She paused, swallowed hard.
“She was right.”
Her gaze lifted, locking with his.
“Maybe it’ll be messy. Maybe it’ll hurt. But I think it’s still worth it. Because trying—loving—it’s not wrong. It’s brave. And I want to be brave. For this. For me. For you… for us.”
He reached across the table, hand settling over hers—warm and steady.
“So,” he said gently, “are you done running?”
Maya’s gaze dropped to their joined hands, her thumb brushing his.
“Yeah. I’m done.”
Something shifted between them—quiet and sure, like a knot finally loosening.
A small smile curved Damien’s lips. “Good. Because I’m not letting you go.”
She smiled back, cheeks flushed, eyes shining. “I’m not asking you to.”
Then she reached into her purse, hands trembling slightly as she retrieved something folded. Witho
