Lila's POV
The words hit like a slap. I reeled back.
“Are you kidding me?” I whispered, stunned. “After everything I’ve given up—my life, my safety, my freedom—now I have to defend one of the few people in this place who makes me feel like I’m not losing my mind?”
Tears prickled in the corners of my eyes, but I held them back. Tobi reached for me again, but I stepped away, shaking my head.
“I just want you to be careful,” he said softly. “I know Oscar cares about you. I just… I know what it’s like when people talk. And I couldn’t stand it if—”
“If what?” I snapped. “If I embarrassed you? If I made you look weak? Or if I made people question your choice?”
Tobi’s face twisted, pained, like my words had gutted him.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what did you mean?” I said, voice tre
