For the first time, his mask cracked.
“Because I knew you’d never take charity. You’re too proud. I offered you control… even if it hurt you. It was wrong, but I needed to know if you were strong enough for the world that broke me.”
His words stunned her.
“You broke me,” she whispered back. “That’s all you did.”
He looked away, his voice softer now.
“Sometimes survival costs more than we’re willing to pay. I learned that too late.”
He left her standing there, trembling. What she thought was a transaction now felt like a test — one she never agreed to take.
