"Can we go somewhere private to talk?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper as I tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His promise has stirred something within me, a longing to share the full story of my past. I'm curious to see how he'll react, to gauge if he'll see me differently.

"Sure," he agrees, his hand finding mine and giving it a gentle squeeze. He leads us to his office.

As he settles behind his desk, I take a seat opposite him, my fingers fidgeting in my lap. Nerves flutter ...