Clarence’s POV

I sat there, watching her in silence. All I could think about was how badly I’d handled this.

I should’ve told her sooner.

The guilt crept in like a chill through an open window. I had known the truth for months. I had the documents, the records, everything ready. And still, I waited.

Why

Because I let my assumptions lead. I saw her as a hot-headed, brash scholarship girl with something to ...