Liliana’s POV
He walked away, and I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach. Bastian placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, trying to push the unease aside. “I will be. Thank you for standing up for me.”
“Always,” he said softly.
As Ben disappeared into the night, my parents and close family surrounded me. Their presence was a balm to my frayed nerves. My mother was the first to speak, her voice gentle yet firm.
“Liliana, I know this is difficult for you,” she said, placing a hand on my cheek. “Ben has always been part of our lives, but sometimes, life takes unexpected turns. You handled yourself with such grace.”
My father nodded in agreement; his eyes filled with pride. “You showed strength tonight, Princess. Not just in your shift, but in how you dealt wit
