Alina’s POV
When Leo finally woke, we ate together and laughed at his silly stories. After breakfast, I told Sebastian I wanted to visit the nearby market alone. His eyes flickered with surprise, then concern, but he nodded. “I trust you,” he said simply. There was no resistance, no attempt to follow. That alone felt like progress.
The walk into town felt strangely heavy. People stared, some whispering, recognizing me from news stories that had painted me as selfish and unstable. I held my head high. Their opinions no longer defined me. At the market, I bought fruit and flowers, letting the ordinary tasks ground me. Still, every glance reminded me that the world had not forgotten.
When I returned, Sebastian did not ask questions. He simply helped me carry the bags inside. His restraint
