CHAPTER 15: The Truth We Don't Say

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Chapter 15: The Truth We Don't Say

Daisy at Home

The house was too quiet. Her father stood by the window, arms crossed, the air tense.

He didn't turn when she entered. "You're seeing him."

Daisy's breath caught. "Who?"

"Don't play coy. That boy. Klein."

She stiffened. "He has a name. Calvin."

Her father turned slowly, expression unreadable. "You know his father ruined mine? That family nearly cost us everything."

Daisy blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"Years ago. Business. Trust broken. Deals turned personal. I kept you away from people like him for a reason."

She stepped back, stunned. "You never trusted me to decide who I am. You just hid things and expected I'd never ask."

"He's not like us," he said sharply.

"No," Daisy said, voice shaking. "He's kind. He listens. And maybe that's exactly what I need."

She left before the silence could strangle her.

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Meanwhile: Marcus's Discovery

Marcus sat in the attic of their family home, flipping through old files their father had left behind after moving out.

He didn't expect to find that name.

Akello.

An old file. A legal settlement. A severed partnership.

He ran a hand through his hair, breathing hard. Calvin needed to know.

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Later: The Brothers

Marcus found Calvin in his room, headphones on, notebook open.

"I need to talk to you."

Calvin looked up. "What's wrong?"

"Our family... Dad... he wasn't just in business with the Akellos. He betrayed them. It wasn't just a fallout—it was personal. And it hurt them badly."

Calvin blinked. "Daisy's family?"

Marcus nodded. "I think her father's kept her from people like us ever since."

Calvin stood slowly. "She doesn't even know the full story. And now we're tangled in it."

Marcus looked at his brother. "So what do you do now?"

Calvin's voice was steady. "I love her. That's the only part I'm sure of."

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Daisy's Return

When Daisy came back to campus, she found Calvin waiting at their usual spot.

He stood when he saw her, unsure.

"Did he tell you?" she asked.

Calvin nodded. "And you?"

She nodded too.

Silence.

Then: "Do we let their history be ours?" he asked.

She took his hand. "No. We write our own."

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