Aliana's POV

I rolled my eyes, but deep down—the question sat heavily in my chest.

Could I really walk away from that life?

Or was it already a part of me?

When the food arrived, we ate, laughed, and ignored the heaviness of the conversation.

I let myself enjoy the sweetness of the French toast, the warmth of the sunlight, and the comfort of being with people who felt like home.

But even as I sat there, pretending everything was normal—

I knew the truth.

No matter ...