Chapter 26: Chapter 26

I look down at our hands, the warmth of his touch grounding mine in the moment, even as my mind races with doubt. I know he means all what he said—I can see it in his eyes. But still, the reality of what he has been involved in, even if indirectly, is hard to ignore.

"I believe you," i say softly, my eyes meeting his once more. "I believe you're not your family. But I need to know that you're ready to fully let go of everything—completely. I need to know that you're not holding anything back."

Michael's gaze softens, and for the first time, I can see something deeper in his eyes—something vulnerable, raw. "I already have," he says quietly, his voice low. "I let go of it the moment I decided to walk away. I let go of it when I built my own life, my own company. And I let go of it the moment I met you."