Never Been Fair

Meliza's POV

Jessa was one of the reasons I was doing this—sacrificing my freedom and future for the sake of our family. Yet, as I stood before her closed door, it became painfully clear that she didn't need me anymore.

Or maybe she didn't want to need me.

A hollow ache spread through my chest, sinking deep into my bones.

They would lose everything if I walked away and hid from Elijah again. Jessa might hate me, but without me here—without this arrangement—our family would crumble.

She would never finish her college education. I was sure of that.

And the moment I was gone, Andrew wouldn't even take a second look at her.

He wasn't the kind of man who waited, who invested in something without personal gain. He was a user, a selfish manipulator, and Jessa was just a pawn in his twisted game.

And the worst part? She hadn't seen that yet. A bitter taste filled my mouth. I couldn't leave. I had to endure this, no matter how much it hurt.