Nia leaned against the cool marble counter in the washroom, taking slow, deep breaths to steady herself. The quiet of the room was a welcome reprieve from the intensity of her encounter with Riana. She took a moment to glance at her reflection. Her makeup was still flawless, her hair neatly styled, but her eyes… They were a little too bright, a little too raw.
"Pull yourself together, Nia," she muttered under her breath, straightening her posture. She'd stood up to her sister. Even after so many years. She hadn't crumbled under Riana's withering gaze or biting remarks. She had walked away on her own terms.
That was something.
After a few more moments, Nia inhaled deeply, squared her shoulders, and pushed the door open. She strode back to the table, her head high, a small but genuine smile on her lips.
Robert glanced up as she approached, his expression warm and welcoming. "Everything okay?"
