MALIA’S POV

I swallowed hard, a mix of emotions swirling inside me—relief, guilt, and a deep ache that I couldn’t quite put into words. His patience, his willingness to give me space—it should have eased the burden on my shoulders, but instead, it only made me feel more conflicted. I didn’t want to keep him in limbo, waiting for something I wasn’t even sure I could give him.

Zach’s expression softened, and he leaned forward slightly, his hand still resting over mine. “Malia, I’m not just waiting for an outcome. I’m here because I care about you. I want to be by your side, through all of this, no matter...