Chapter 36

Daniel’s POV

I looked at Maya. Her earnest gaze, her simple, profound observation, cut through all the noise. All the anger, the manipulation, the lust. It reminded me of my core purpose. To be there for her. To be strong for her. My own pain, my own chaos, had to take a back seat. She needed me.

“I hear you,” I said, my voice softer now. More sincere. “You’re right. It’s complicated. And it’s messy. But I’ll handle it. I always do.” I managed a small, genuine smile. “And right now, my job is to make sure you’re okay. So tell me again about your program. What exactly felt like a setback today?”

Maya held my gaze for a moment longer, a flicker of understanding passing between us. She saw the turmoil in my eyes. She also saw the renewed resolve.

She sighed, a different kind of sigh this time, one of acceptance. “It’s just…” she began, then launched into a detailed explanation of her therapy session, the triggers they discussed, and her fears about facing