BRENDA JAMES POV
As we stood by the lake, the moonlight danced on the water, but I could feel a storm brewing inside me. Autumn remained quiet, sensing the tension, her gaze lost in the shimmering reflections. I could not shake off the confrontation with Senator Liam—his words echoed in my mind; a barrier that felt insurmountable.
When we finally got into the car, the silence was heavy. I stole glances at her, trying to read her thoughts. "I'm sorry about what happened back there," I finally said, breaking the stillness. "I just… I cannot believe he thinks he can control our lives like that."
Autumn sighed, her fingers drumming nervously on the steering wheel. "He is trying to protect his image, I get it. But it should not come at the cost of our happiness." Her voice was steady, but I could see the hurt in her eyes.
