“One more thing,” I added. “Stay away from her. No calls, no messages. If you even think about creeping back when guilt hits you, I will make sure every colleague, investor, and friend knows exactly what you did.”
I didn’t wait for his answer. Some truths didn’t need a response.
When I got home, Hannah was awake at the table, hands wrapped around a mug of tea. She looked fragile but steadier than the night before.
“I guess you went to see him,” she said softly.
I nodded. “I told him the truth. And I told him he’s no longer part of your life.”
She stared at the steam rising off her cup. “I feel so stupid.”
“You’re not stupid,” I said, sitting across from her. “You loved someone who didn’t deserve it. That’s not stupidity. That’s trust. And you’ll rebuild a life where your trust goes to people who earn it.”
Her shoulders shook, and I took her hand.
“One day at a time,” I said. “We’ll get you therapy. We’ll talk to legal aid. And you’ll get your future back.”
She nodded, eyes wet. “I want to stand again. Not for him—for me.”
“That’s the right reason.”