Silence hung between the two figures, Jolene’s words lingering in the air, thick with tension. Tatiana’s gaze was filled with disbelief, her mind reeling from what she had just heard.

She stared at the woman before her, questioning if this was still the same person she once considered a sister—the girl she had helped when she had nowhere else to turn.

Tatiana had met Jolene at a function, where she was desperately trying to please a small-time artist who abused her. Though Jolene was more than capable, her efforts went unappreciated.

Tatiana saw potential in Jolene and immediately felt drawn to her. The small-time artist scoffed when Tatiana stepped in...