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Chapter 129

Author: Kayla Sango
"Afraid of me, I guess," I said softly. "Afraid of actually being happy."

Christian studied me for a moment, as if trying to absorb every layer of what I'd just confessed. His fingers traced gentle patterns against mine, that familiar touch grounding me instantly.

"Explain that to me," he said quietly.

I took a deep breath, trying to untangle thoughts that had lived buried in me for years. It wasn't easy to put into words—the quiet ache of believing happiness wasn't meant for people like m
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