I didn't hesitate.
I reached out and pulled Yelena into my arms, her body trembling against mine. I looked at Claire, my voice steady but filled with emotion. "Claire, tell me the truth," I said, my grip tightening around Yelena.
"Can I not fall in love with her... if she does these things for you and me?" My voice was rough, my heart pounding. "How can I abandon her? I can't live with myself if I push her away."
Claire's breath hitched, her tears spilling over as she looked between us. For a long moment, she was silent, her fingers pressing against her lips as if trying to hold back the flood of emotions. Then, slowly, she reached out, her hand touching Yelena's shoulder.
