“She’ll stay for Mavin’s sake,” Gavin said. “But that’s it. We’re done.”
My chest tightened, but I nodded. I wasn’t staying for Gavin. I was staying for Mavin. His small hands clung to me like I was his entire world, and I couldn’t bring myself to let him down.
Even though I knew I would. Because in three months, I wouldn’t be here.
Avery let out a scoff, crossing her arms. “Fine,” she said. “If you want to be a nanny instead of a mate, be my guest. But don’t fool yourself, Ofelia. You were never more than second best.”
I didn’t answer. I just bent down, pressing a kiss against Mavin’s curls. That night, after I tucked Mavin into bed, my phone buzzed. Daniela called.
I hesitated before answering.
“You can’t do this,” she said the second I picked up. “You’re sick, Ofelia. You can’t waste what little time you have in a place where you’re nothing but an afterthought.”
I stared at the ceiling, exhaustion pressing into my bones. “I can’t leave him.”
“And what about you?” Daniela’s voice cracked. “What about what you deserve?”
I squeezed my eyes shut. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Ofelia—”