AVERY’S POV:
I was tempted to tell her the truth. To say, "Your father did this. He’s trying to erase me, piece by piece, until I don’t recognize myself anymore."
But I couldn’t.
So I smiled, forcing lightness into my tone. "I went to the salon and got it done," I lied.
She tilted her head, considering me. "I want to get my hair done too," she said thoughtfully. "So I can be pretty like you."
Her words struck a sad chord inside me. If only she knew how much of myself I was losing with every change Axel forced on me.
But looking at her now—bright-eyed, full of trust—I couldn’t bring myself to shatter the moment.
"Maybe one day, darling," I said softly, running my fingers through her ponytail.
Maybe one day, when I was free, I'll go back to my natural hair.
"You don’t
