Cornelia's POV
Next Friday. That gave me plenty of time to get ready. I gave David a quick nod before turning to walk away. "Thank you."
The words carried real weight. These men were offering me something my own parents never bothered with - a chance at higher education. Despite the sting of knowing they wanted me gone, gratitude filled my chest.
"Cornelia, hold on!" David's hand wrapped around my arm, halting my retreat. I froze but kept my gaze fixed ahead. "Could you just look at me? Please?"
"Say what you need to say, David, or release me," I replied, internally cringing when bitterness leaked into my tone. I'd aimed for indifference, but clearly missed the mark.
"Cornelia, we're not attempting to dispose of you, I-"
My head whipped toward him, eyes blazing. "Don't feed me lies, David. Don't you dare. The wound is already raw - there's no need to pour salt into it."
