“Deviana?”

The gentle voice startled her. She sat slumped in the corner of her small studio, her face swollen from tears, hair disheveled. The door creaked open, and Lila stepped inside, carrying a dripping umbrella still wet from the rain.

“Lila…” Deviana’s voice was hoarse. “Why are you here?”

Lila closed the door quietly and walked over. “I was worried. I saw everything online—the news, the comments… but I don’t believe any of it.”

Deviana lowered her head, covering her face with her hands. “Everyone else believes it, Lila. They’re calling me a slut. I’ve already lost all my clients.”

Lila crouched down in front of her, her gaze unwavering....