Forgiveness did not come easily, nor was it complete. But in her grace, Selena found the first glimmerings of her own strength—an ember of dignity smouldering amidst the wreckage.
As evening deepened, Selena sat alone in the glow of the sitting room lamp, Mia's words echoing in her mind. When Luke returned, she watched him quietly, searching his face for the truth.
Luke paused at the doorway, eyes wary. "Selena? You look pale. Everything all right?"
Selena's tone was even, measured. "We had a visitor today. Mia. She told me everything."
Luke's face crumpled. He knelt at her feet, tears springing to his eyes. "Selena, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I was lost and—"
She held up a hand. "No more lies, Luke. Please. I'm tired. I need time to think."
The betrayal cut deeper than Selena had imagined, not just Luke's but her family's complicity—her mother's knowing glances, her father's evasions when she'd mentioned Luke's late nights. She realised how far the image of perfection had led them all astray.