15k?!

"How can he just say that casually?" she muttered to herself, pacing the living room. "Just like that, like nothing happened, like it's $15,000."

She flopped onto the couch, her head in her hands. The weight of Damien's gesture was overwhelming. It wasn't just the money; it was the ease with which he offered it, the way he brushed off her concerns like they were nothing. It only added to her confusion and guilt.

"Fifteen thousand dollars," she whispered, shaking her head. "Who does that?"

Her mind drifted back to the park, to Alex and the revelation about Amanda. The turmoil of emotions swirled within her, making it hard to think straight.

"How did my life get so complicated?" she sighed, running a hand through her hair.

The room felt too quiet, too empty. She picked up her phone, scrolling aimlessly through her contacts. She wanted to call someone, to talk about everything weighing on her mind. But who? Alex was out of the question, and Damien...well, he was the reason she felt so co