[Nadia’s POV]
“What?” My voice sounded faint.
“I think I need to sit down,” I added, and did exactly that. The moments that happened before now seemed a distant memory or almost as if I had imagined everything.
“I didn’t want you to tell this, but…” I held up my hand and shook my head.
“You definitely should have told me this even if Aunt forbade you not to,” I said, but not in an accusatory tone. I just felt… numb. Also, Derek might have not said anything until Aunt told him to because he was like that.
Derek kneeled in front of me, his hands gently resting on my knees. This touch conveyed assurance. His gaze was soft and understanding.
He looked away for a moment before he said, “Ophelia called me one day after you had moved out. She wanted me to keep taking care of you since
