CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SEVEN: FACADE

Nia watched Jonathan's face as he expressed his gratitude, her smile never wavering. Inside, however, she felt a tempest of conflicting emotions. Her outward calm was a carefully constructed facade, hiding the turmoil that raged within. She had agreed to give Jonathan a chance, but deep down, she wasn't sure if she could ever truly forgive him. The pain and betrayal still cut too deeply. As the months passed, Nia played her part well. She participated in family activities, shared meals with Jonathan and Ariana, and even engaged in light-hearted conversations. But behind her smiles and laughter, she harbored a growing resentment. She couldn't shake the image of her parents, nor the knowledge that Jonathan had been a part of the chain of events that led to their deaths. One evening, after another seemingly pleasant family dinner, Nia retreated to her room, the mask she had worn all day slipping away. She closed the door behind her and sank onto her bed, her mind racing. She knew she ne