Eloise’ POV
“Rufford,” I began, my voice trembling, “you think it’s that simple? That I can just step outside and everything will fall into place? That the people won’t see right through me? I’ve failed them. I’ve failed—” My voice broke, and I swallowed hard, refusing to let the tears come.
“You haven’t failed,” he interrupted, his voice softer now. “But you will if you keep shutting everyone out. Strength doesn’t mean you’re unbroken, Eloise. It means standing up even when you feel like you can’t. It means letting people see that you’re human—that you feel, that you care.”
I looked at him then, truly looked at him. His words were all heavy, a truth I wasn’t ready to face but knew I couldn’t ignore. The tea had gone cold between us, but the air felt heavier, charged with unspoken under
