The applause was still fading when Nia stepped off the stage.
Her heart felt light.
For once—
Everything was quiet.
No noise.
No pressure.
No past pulling at her.
Just peace.
She moved toward the side, smiling as people passed her, offering quiet congratulations.
“You did amazing,” someone said.
“Thank you,” she replied softly.
And she meant it.
Then—
She saw them.
Standing just beyond the crowd.
A woman.
And a man.
Something about them—
Made her stop.
She didn’t know why.
But her eyes locked onto the woman first.
Her hair.
The same texture.
The same fullness.
Her breath caught slightly.
A memory flickered.
“Your birth mother would probably have your exact hair.”
Nia blinked.
No.
That didn’t make sense.
Her gaze shifted to the man beside the woman.
Tall.
Com
