OLIVIA
The room grew heavy with tension as my parents' disapproval of Ely hung in the air. I could feel their deep-seated concerns, and even though part of me understood their perspective, another part of me ached with the weight of their judgment.
"Dad, he just drove me home, okay? Don't be so exaggerated," I replied, my voice tinged with a mix of frustration and weariness. It was a familiar argument, one that seemed to replay itself every time Ely's name was mentioned.
"Exaggerated? Olivia, that man has no balls! He could never protect you, let alone truly care for you. I can't understand why you're still holding onto the idea that he's your fated mate!" My father's words were blunt and laced with anger, his eyes locked onto mine as he spoke.
I winced at his words, feeling the sting
