"I don't want to hurt you," Grace repeated, her voice trembling slightly.
"You won't," Dr. Kian said firmly. "At least, not intentionally. And if it gets too much for me, I'll tell you. But for now, all I'm asking is a chance. A chance to be a part of your life in a way that matters."
His words hit her like a tidal wave. She had been prepared for rejection, for anger, for a dozen different outcomes, but not this. Not his unwavering acceptance.
"I... I don't know what to say," she admitted in a voice that was barely above a whisper.
"Say yes," he said simply.
Grace looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation, but there was none. He was serious, completely and utterly serious.
A part of her wanted to say no, to push him away for his own good. But another part, the part that had longed for connection and understanding in this broken world, wanted to say yes.
