Chapter 141

• MALIA’S POV
• But I couldn’t let Zach know. Not yet. I took a deep breath and turned away from his piercing gaze, focusing instead on the fading light in the garden, hoping that would steady me. “It’s just... complicated,” I said again, trying to keep my voice from trembling. “It’s not something I want to talk about, especially not with Ella being so young. I’ve worked hard to protect her, and I just don’t think bringing him up will help anything.”
• Zach was quiet for a long moment. I could feel his eyes on me, searching for answers, but I didn’t dare look back at him. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer this time. “I get that it’s complicated, Malia. But... I’ve never seen you this guarded before. Even when we’ve talked about difficult things. You’re usually open with me, and I’ve noticed this wall go up whenever the topic of her father comes up. It’s hard not to feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.”