Accepting the Truth

 

Jared could feel the tension tightening in the room. He understood Jerica's reaction—she was overwhelmed, caught in the chaos of too many revelations at once—but her words bordered on cruel. She didn't need to lash out, not when it was clear Arthur and Lydia were doing their best to tread carefully.

Jerica glanced at Jared, and the look in his eyes made her pause. She let out a slow breath, her voice softening. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to… I just—this is a lot. A lot to take in."

Arthur nodded, his expression softening. "We understand. And we don't expect you to process this overnight. We just wanted you to know the truth. We can get there gradually." He was holding Lydia's hand. It was for all of them.