Chapter 28

Olivia Martins

“They’re mates.” My voice cracked. “I saw them that last night. They were together. Maybe they always were, and I just didn’t want to see it.”

Victoria came up beside me. “Do you want to avoid him because of her, or because you’re scared of what seeing him will do to you?”

I looked at her, jaw tight. “Both.”

She nodded, not pressing further. Just being there. She reached out and touched my arm. “Whatever happens when he gets here, you won’t be alone. You have a life now. A real one. One that you built.”

I gave a small nod. “Thanks.”

She smiled. “Besides, if he so much as looks at you wrong, I’ll make sure he steps in something nasty on his way up to the podium.”

That made me laugh, shaky and quiet, but real.

And just like that, the heaviness in my chest lifted—only slightly, but enough. Enough to breathe.

***

First Day of the Congress

I was awake before dawn.

Not because I had to be.