Cornelia's POV
"I need to say something first," I blurted out, my breath coming in short gasps. "Please."
David gave a small nod. "Do you want to sit?"
I shook my head frantically, nearly making myself dizzy. "No. I need to stand."
Taking a shaky breath, I tried to meet his gaze but found myself looking away. If I stared into those eyes, I might lose my nerve completely. My hands were clammy as I began to pace back and forth.
"I've been thinking," I started, swallowing hard. Even without looking directly at him, I could sense everything about David - his tension, his curiosity, his complete attention focused on me.
"Since Harlow walked out, thinking is all I've done," I continued in a rush. "At first, I despised you. I hated how effortlessly you lived, how nothing seemed to weigh you down. I resented those qualities because deep down, I craved that same freedom. But coming from my background? Growing up in my family? That kind of liberation felt impossible."
