Chapter 71

Nathan's POV

He watches her closely, waiting, not just for answers, but for honesty.

Harper’s mouth opens, then closes again. She looks away, her eyes flitting across the room like she’s trying to find an escape route. But there isn’t one. Not from this. Not anymore. The weight of the truth sits on her shoulders, and this time, it seems like she’s finally ready to stop carrying it alone.

She takes a breath and lets it out slowly. “He’s my partner,” she says. Her voice is soft, like she’s saying something shameful.

There’s a beat of silence.

I exchange a glance with Theo and Mason, all of us startled by the simplicity of the statement. Partner. Not ex. Not was. Not roommate or friend.

Theo speaks first. “That doesn’t make sense,” he says, shaking his he