I forced a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes and brushed at an imaginary speck of dust clinging to my dress.
“I’m fine,” I said lightly, though the words tasted hollow.
“I just… took my time.”
But inside, I wasn’t fine. Not completely. Isabella’s voice still lingered in my ears, sharp and venomous, her accusations sinking their claws into me. Useless baecation. Sick father. Nothing to eat at home. Each phrase landed like a stone in my chest, threatening to shatter the fragile calm I was trying desperately to stitch together.
I sank into the sofa, smoothing my dress as if that would steady me. My lungs felt tight, every breath uneven, but I whispered anyway....more to myself than to him.
“Let’s just… enjoy today.”
Kay didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached over and took my
