🤍 SOFIA’S POV
I lie curled on the soft mattress, face pressed into the pillow, trembling still — not from cold, not from the sharp, desperate need that took me over in the bathroom, but from shame. Hot, heavy, swallowing shame. I’d promised myself I’d be better. I’d told myself this place was different, that I was safe… and yet the second the dark thoughts swarmed in, I fell right back into the only way I ever knew to cope.
He’ll send me away. He’ll see exactly what I am — broken, ruined, dangerous — and throw me out like trash. Just like everyone else always has.
Dominic sits right beside me, broad frame solid and steady, his warm hand never letting go of mine. He hasn’t shouted. He hasn’t looked at me with disgust or disappointment. He just holds on, his thumb brushing slow, soothing
