Rome couldn't help but tighten his grip on the steering wheel as he drove home to his condo. The road blurred past him, but his mind could still clearly remember his last conversation with his mom.
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"You're not a fool. You're smart. I know you see what's in front of you. You just refuse to accept it because you're too blind, too in love, to admit the truth."
Her voice had grown colder with every word.
His throat tightened, and a lump rose in his chest. He wanted to shout, to argue, to tell her she was wrong but the sight of his mom's trembling hands clutching the photos kept him silent.
Her eyes softened slightly, though the disappointment etched deep into her face didn't fade.
"Rome… I'm your mom. I'm not saying this to hurt you. But you need to wake up before it's too late. That girl… she's not worth the downfall you're willing to embrace. And deep down, you know it."
