Lila’s POV
I stood frozen in the centre of the room, arms still wrapped tightly around myself. My body ached from the weight of what had just happened. My ears rang from Tobi’s shouting. From the sound of his sobs. From the sound of my own heart breaking again. Soft footsteps approached behind me.
“Lila.” Catherine’s voice, gentle but steady.
I turned slowly, blinking through the fog of the moment. She crossed the room without hesitation and took my hands, grounding me with her touch.
“He’s not himself,” she said quietly. “But that does not excuse what just happened. Not for a second.”
I looked at her—really looked at her—and saw the sadness lining her eyes. Not just for her son. For me, too.
“Is it always like this?” I asked softly. “Is love always this… impossible?”
Catherine exha
