DAMIEN'S POV
Victoria's trial date was set for July. Her lawyer called asking if I'd testify on her behalf.
"Absolutely not," I said.
"She's your mother. The jury will expect family support."
"She tried to kill me. I'm testifying for the prosecution."
I hung up and immediately called Dr. Reeves.
"Her lawyer thinks I should defend her. Am I a bad person for refusing?"
"You're establishing boundaries with someone who's repeatedly violated them. That's healthy, not bad."
"Then why do I feel guilty?"
"Because she spent your whole life conditioning you to prioritize her needs over yours. That programming doesn't disappear overnight."
The guilt stayed anyway. I threw myself into work to distract from it. James noticed.
"You're working twelve-hour days again. That's not healthy."
"I'm
