She documented everything—dates, screenshots, and voicemails, saving them neatly in a folder. If things escalated, she wanted proof. But deep down, she hoped she’d never have to use it. Winning through dignity had always been her quiet rebellion.
Daniel’s loyalty began to wobble under pressure. His mother constantly whispered doubts: “Are you sure she’s not using you?” “It’s not too late to pause or cancel.” He defended Mia at first, but fatigue softened his resolve. When he forgot to show up to a tasting she’d arranged, her patience began to fray.