(Scarlett's POV)
The silence in Dorian's car feels heavy, but not uncomfortable. Lily has fallen asleep in the backseat, her small face peaceful against the window. My ankle throbs with each heartbeat, but the physical pain is nothing compared to the storm raging in my chest.
"You okay?" Dorian's voice is soft, careful not to wake Lily.
"I'm fine." The lie rolls off my tongue automatically.
He glances at me, those kind eyes seeing right through my walls. "You don't have to pretend with me, Scarlett. Not after what just happened back there."
The concern in his voice almost breaks me. After years of being dismissed, ignored, and treated like my feelings didn't matter, having someone actually care about my wellbeing feels foreign.
We pull into my driveway, and the familiar sight of my s
