It's Thursday, but still, there were no reliefAyana spent the morning helping her mother prepare for the church's holiday outreach program, all while fielding passive-aggressive comments about loyalty, discretion, and the importance of supporting long-standing community members. "People are talking," her mother said, arranging donation boxes with sharp precision. "Saying you've been spending quite a bit of time at the centre and that you're very... invested in Nelson's welfare.""I volunteer there. Of course, I care about what happens.""There's caring, and there's.. Hmmm." Her mother paused, choosing her words carefully. "Appearing too involved. You're a young, single woman, and He's an older, unmarried man. People make assumptions, my darling."Ayana's heart hammered. "What kind of assumptions, mother?""The kind that damages reputations." Her mother's voice was sharp. "I'm just saying–be mindful of how things look for both your sakes."Before Ayana could respond, Catherine burst
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