Raellyn’s lips pressed together, the sting in Louisa’s voice slicing through her calm. Still, she held her composure.
“Then you should also understand that pain doesn’t give you permission to repeat it,” she said, her tone like steel wrapped in silk. “This isn’t about who hurt more. This is about what’s right, and what’s respectful.”
Louisa opened her mouth again, but George finally stepped in.
“That’s enough, Lou,” he said gently, but firmly. “This isn’t helping.”
He turned to Raellyn, sighing. “You’re right. We came too suddenly. That was our mistake. But Chyntia, she’s lived with regret for years. And seeing Arnav again... it matters more to her than she knows how to say.”
Raellyn nodded slowly. She glanced at her husband, who still hadn’t spoken. His face was unreadable, but his e
