REINA

"I... I was just desperate at the time," I grumbled, sinking my teeth into my lower lip. "And I couldn't tell you about it because I didn't want to bother you."

Tessa’s expression softened slightly. “Okay,” she said slowly. “That’s… actually kind of sweet. But still! You could’ve told me, Reina.”

“I know.” I sank onto the couch. “I just didn’t want people to judge. Everyone always has opinions about girls marrying men for money.”

“True,” she muttered, sitting beside me. “But I’m not ‘everyone.’ I would’ve at least gotten drunk in your honor.”

I smiled faintly. For a moment, the air between us felt lighter.

Then she squinted...