Rachel POV
"That's all I can tell you, for now," Mr Vance said softly. "I'd like to respect Damien's past. Maybe one day he will tell you the whole story."
My gaze softened as I pulled the blanket tighter around myself, suddenly aware of how cold it felt against my skin. "Thank you for telling me, Mr Vance."
He smiled, then reached out and gently ruffled my hair.
"You're too polite. You can just call me Vance, Rachel."
I smiled back, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. I let out a small chuckle, trying to ease myself away from the heaviness of Damien's story. "So... you're kind of like a second father to Damien."
Vance hummed, thoughtful-serious.
"You could say that," he admitted. "Though Damien would never admit that. He was softer on me once. Now he acts like some tough, untoucha
