Chapter 85: The Burden of Truth Jarrel stood by the bed, his gaze lingering on Hana’s peaceful face. She was still half-asleep from her noon nap, her eyes fluttering open just long enough to meet his eyes, her breathing even and calm. But despite her peaceful appearance, he knew there was a storm brewing inside her—a storm they had both been avoiding for far too long. The question of why she had run, why she had left him, hung heavily between them. It had always been there, like a shadow, following every touch, every glance, but never spoken aloud. He watched her for a moment longer, his heart tightening at the thought of what he had to do. They couldn’t avoid it forever. Slowly, carefully, he sat up and brushed a strand of hair from her face. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open, and when her gaze met his, there was a flicker of something—fear, guilt, maybe both. “Hana,” Jarrel began, his voice gentle but firm. “We’ve been avoiding this for too long. We can’t keep preten
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