Chapter 10: Scrubbing Away Pride

Ella’s

I couldn’t shake the embarrassment that clung to me like damp clothes. Crying on Noah’s shoulder, letting him see me break like that—it made my skin crawl.

He was almost a stranger, yet I’d sobbed into his shirt as if he were my closest friend. Every time I thought about it, my stomach twisted. I’d always promised myself I’d never show weakness again, not in front of anyone. And yet, there I was, falling apart in front of him.

Now, ...