The words struck like a slap.
Anna’s first instinct was to deny it—to insist that Jaden was nothing to her. That this was all a business transaction, nothing more.
But the lump in her throat betrayed her.
Because deep down—she wasn’t sure anymore.
“I won’t fall for him,” Anna forced out, her voice firm. “This is temporary. When Lilly’s better, I’ll walk away. You don’t have to worry.”
But even as she said it, the lie tasted bitter.
Emily searched her face, clearly not convinced. But she didn’t push further.
Instead, she leaned down and wrapped her arms around Anna, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Anna clung to her—because in that moment, she needed the reminder. That she wasn’t alone. That someone still knew her heart, even when she was struggling to understand it herself.
Tears
