Zoe's POV
My heart pounded so hard that I could hear it in my ears.
"Brandon… I haven't been completely honest with you."
The words felt brittle leaving my mouth, like glass—sharp, fragile, irreversible. My voice trembled despite my efforts to keep it steady, and I hated myself for that weakness. I had rehearsed this moment in my head countless times, imagining myself strong and calm. This version of me felt exposed, bare to the bone.
Brandon didn't pull away. Instead, he gently reached up and brushed my hair back, tucking it behind my ear as if he were trying to better see my face. His fingers were warm, familiar, and grounding.
"Chloe," he said softly, his eyes searching mine with a patience that terrified me. "What is it? Tell me."
I swallowed hard.
"Garrett knows something significant about my past."
