Chapter 145

y eyes slowly widened, and my heart started beating fast. I already knew. I was Vee, her biggest supporter for months. But hearing her say it out loud, trusting me with that secret, hit differently.

“You aren’t saying anything,” she whispered, sounding nervous.

I looked at her and gently held her face with both hands. “Does it matter?” I asked softly. “But tell me, do you want to continue it?”

She swallowed hard. “That’s how I get money. But I have a plan. I’m trying to stop it by the end of this month because I already found a good-paying job.”

I smiled and nodded, then kissed her forehead tenderly. “I’m so proud of you for how far you’ve come. You’re strong, resilient, and you’ve been carrying so much by yourself. Whatever you decide, I’m here. You don’t have to do any of this alone anymore. You’ve already taken such a brave step by opening up to me tonight.”

She relaxed visibly in my arms. “I’m glad I opened up and you treated it like an adult,” she said, relief clear in her voice. Then she yawned softly. “Goodnight… I’m so sleepy.”

“Goodnight,” I whispered, pressing one last kiss to her temple.