On the drive back to my house, I couldn't shake the feeling of shame and disappointment as I sat there in silence, the weight of Brax's father's words hanging heavy in the air. I knew deep down that he was right—no matter how much I tried to separate myself from Stevon King, his name would always be a shadow looming over me.
Brax reached out a hand to touch my arm gently as he stopped the car outside Steve's house, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.
I nodded slowly, trying to push away the overwhelming emotions threatening to consume me. "I'm fine," I lied, forcing a small smile onto my face.
But Brax could see through my facade, his gaze searching mine. "You don't have to pretend with me, Willow," he said quietly.
I forced a bigger smile on my face, no
