Chapter 87. You're Doing Just Fine

Vanessa's POV

Claire squeezed my hand. “I’m just watching out for you, babe. I love you. Be careful, okay?”

I nodded, feeling both touched and scared at the same time.

Her eyes searched mine, not just scolding but truly concerned. "I've seen how much you've struggled to get where you are. I don't want anything—or anyone—taking that away from you."

We sat there in silence for a while, and my mind kept spinning.

Had I been stupid?

Was I reading too much into what happened with Andre?

He had made me feel like I was the only girl in the world... but what if that was just how he was? I’d seen him flattering others—he was pretty good at that.

A part of me wanted to trust him. The other part... the louder part... was terrified. My mind was beginning to eat me up.

"You don't think..." I started, then hesitated. "You don't think he could feel the same way I do?"

Claire's expression softened. "Maybe he does. I hope h