When she opened her eyes, Damien's intense gaze met hers, full of hope, anticipation, and something else—something that made her heart ache. She could see the urgency in his eyes, the desperation for her to say the words he wanted to hear.
"I don't have a choice, do I?" She said quietly, more to herself than to him.
Damien's expression softened, and he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers, warm and reassuring. "It's the right thing to do, Annie. For you, for Ryan... for all of us."
"Okay," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll do it."