Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, I spoke. "I'm sorry," I said softly. "I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just... it's been a long day."
Ethan's expression softened slightly. "I understand," he said, his voice low. "You've been through a lot. But Natalia, you need to understand something. I'm not your enemy. I want to help you."
I sighed, feeling the weight of the day settle on my shoulders. "I know," I admitted. "It's just hard for me to trust anyone. After everything that's happened..."
"I know," Ethan said, surprising me. "I know more than you think, Natalia. About your past, about what your family did to you."
I stared at him, shock coursing through me. "How... how do you know about that?"
Ethan's lips curved in a humorless smile. "I make it my business
