Damien let out a slow, heavy sigh, tension finally loosening from his frame. He slipped an arm around Maya, drawing her closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry, love.”
Maya leaned into him, her nod soft but firm, a quiet acknowledgment.
When Damien lifted his gaze to Harper, her eyes were still glassy, her expression caught between shock and awe from the way Maya had stood up for her. He gave her a slow, deliberate nod. “Harper… forgive me for doubting you.”
Harper blinked, startled, then quickly shook her head, panic flashing in her movements. “No, no… please, it’s my fault. I should have taken the risk to approach you properly instead of sneaking in the way I did. But… truly, I have no bad intentions. I have no beef with you, or your family. I just…” Her voice crack
