Maya’s voice trembled. “I… I was so mad. The way he insulted me—it ignited something inside me. I felt offended, hurt. He made me out to be some cheap… gold digger, like my pride didn’t matter. Like everything I’ve worked for… who I am… didn’t mean a thing. I couldn’t just let it slide.”
Harper nodded. “Exactly, Maya. Same with that doctor. You chose to be polite even when he crossed the line. Look what happened? He took advantage of it and hurt you. Kindness isn’t wrong—it’s never wrong—but you have to know how to set boundaries. Draw a line, put your foot down—make it clear there are consequences for crossing it. Not everyone in this world will be kind. If you let them push you around, they will. People only treat you the way you allow them to.”
Her gaze sharpened, voice low and unwave
