Jalen’s POV

Harry’s question hit me like a punch to the gut. We sat in the quiet hospital hallway, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. “Have you really thought about how I’ll feel when you’re with my daughter, Jalen? Truly thought about it?”

I froze. My mouth opened, but no words came out. The question touched a raw part of me I hadn’t fully confronted—the part that felt selfish, inconsiderate for falling so deeply in love with my best friend’s daughter. Guilt twisted in ...