Tila's lips curled into a sneer, her voice venomous. "We don't need your 'help.' Lila and I are fine where we are, living how we want. Leave us alone, and I swear I won't come for you later."
Kael stood, his grin fading, his voice soft but firm. "Sorry, Tila. I can't do that. I see the pain you're carrying—it's eating you alive. If you don't face it, you'll drag it to your grave, a life full of regrets with no end. I'm not letting you stay this way."
Tila fell silent, her glare fixed on him, but his words sank in, heavy and unyielding. He was stubborn, deaf to her defiance, his resolve a wall she couldn't crack.
She hated it—hated him—but a flicker of doubt stirred, her fear mingling with something she couldn't name.
Kael stepped closer, his hazel eyes searching hers. "If I uncuff you right now, will you attack me?"
Tila's lips twitched, a grim smile breaking through. "You bet," she said, her voice honest, her eyes glinting with defiance.
