AVA
Daniel sat on the edge of the bed, watching me with worried eyes as I stood by the window. “Ava, be honest with me. Can you really handle tonight? If it’s too much, if you want to pull out… it’s okay. We can walk away from this vote right now. No one would blame you.”
I turned to face him, my chest tight. “I have to go, Daniel. I don’t have a choice. If I don’t show up and fight for this position, I lose the access I need. I can’t let that happen.”
He nodded slowly, though the concern never left his face. “Alright. But I’m right here if you need me.”
I slipped into the bathroom, turned the shower on hot, and stood under the spray for a long time, letting the water ease the tension in my shoulders. When I stepped out, I dried my hair and carefully dressed. I chose an elegant black t
