VALERIE
My heart felt a little lighter after Kyle promised to figure things out. For a moment, the weight that had been crushing my chest lifted, letting me breathe. He had always been determined, but seeing that determination directed at helping me—it was something I didn’t know I needed until now.
Justin stepped closer, his movements slow and measured, like he wasn’t sure how welcome he was anymore. His green eyes, always so vivid and piercing, softened as they met mine.
“I want to help too,” he said, his voice low but steady.
Kyle immediately stiffened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Your work here is done,” he said coldly, stepping forward as if to block Justin from coming any closer to me. “You can go now.”
Justin blinked, stunned for a moment, before the smallest flicker
