Alina’s POV
Sebastian looked at me, torn. “We can leave,” he said. “Disappear again.”
I stared at the door, then at Leo. Running had saved us once, but it had also stolen my voice. If I kept running, the lies would never stop. They would chase us forever.
“No,” I whispered, surprising myself. “We face them.”
Sebastian hesitated, then nodded. He opened the door and stepped outside first, shielding me as I followed, Leo’s hand tight in mine. Cameras flashed instantly, blinding. The noise was overwhelming. My heart hammered, but I refused to look away.
“Tell us the truth!” someone shouted.
I lifted my chin. “This is the truth,” I said, my voice trembling but steady. “I left to protect my son. I returned to fight for him. I will not be silent anymore.”
The crowd fell quiet, surprised. S
