43. Tough Decision

I exchanged glances with Brenda, who nodded softly. “I think for now, this is what’s best. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

“I don’t know,” I mumbled, fear gripping my heart as memories of my mother flooded my thoughts. No matter how much I loved Ivan or how much I wanted to be close to him, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the impossibilities in our lives.

Ivan stepped forward and sat next to me, taking my hand gently in his. “I promise you, Vera, I’ll protect you and Kelly with my life. I won’t let anyone or anything harm either of you.”

I looked up into his eyes. The sincerity in his voice sent a spark through me, and for the first time, I believed him. A part of me felt that the only place I could truly be safe was with him. Brenda stood in the corner, and I was sure if I looked her way, she’d be encouraging me to take the leap.

I sighed, releasing the tension that had built up in my chest. Just as I was about to respond, Kelly walked into the living room. The moment she saw Ivan, sh