Venessa’s POV
I stood frozen in the room, tears streaming unchecked down my face. The moment I had dreaded had arrived. There was no clever way to explain any of it, no gentle path out. I was trapped cornered by truth.
I lifted my gaze to Denzel and studied his face, committing every line and shadow to memory, because I knew deep down that once I spoke, he might not want me here anymore.
“Before I say anything,” I whispered, my voice trembling, “you need to know that I have always loved you, Denzel. And I need you to know that I wish more than anything that things had turned out differently for us.”
He frowned, confusion tightening his features.
“I wasn’t lying when I told you I figured it out when you were about to drink the tea,” I continued.
He opened his mouth to interrupt, but I
