The overwhelming tension in the room forced me to reconsider my motives. His persuasive words seemed to tighten their grip around my mind, almost swaying me towards his point of view. But as I fought the internal battle, I shook my head, resisting the temptation. Was it truly worth sacrificing my happiness just to appease them?
Living in a house where my own well-being was not prioritized seemed unthinkable. The image of their success being all that mattered haunted me, anchoring their obliviousness to my own perspective. They were blind to the turmoil within me, blind to the fact that I couldn't fathom a speck of affection for Devon.
It was akin to trying to force a horse to drink from a pool when it had no thirst for water. Love, genuine love, could not be coerced or manufactured. And
