Chapter 21 — Cracks in the Mirror
The rain returned that night.
Cape Town’s streets shimmered beneath streetlights while thunder rolled softly across the distant mountains.
Jake stood alone inside his penthouse staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
For years he avoided mirrors after losing control.
Not because he hated his appearance.
Because sometimes he saw flashes of the man he became.
And tonight—
After kissing Amara…
After speaking honestly in front of the investors…
After hearing his father say his mother would’ve been proud—
Jake barely recognized himself anymore.
His phone buzzed on the counter.
A message from Amara.
Did you eat dinner?
Jake stared at the screen for several seconds before laughing quietly to himself.
Such a simple question.
Yet somehow
