CHAPTER NINETY-SEVEN - THE ENDING WE FEAR

  Nia's hand shook as she reached for her water glass, nearly knocking it over in the process. A nearby waiter, noticing her distress, approached cautiously. "Is everything alright, miss? Can I get you anything?" Nia looked up at him, barely seeing him through the haze of her panic. "No, I... I'm fine. Thank you. I just need a moment." The waiter nodded sympathetically and retreated, leaving Nia alone with her thoughts once more. She knew what she had to do. As much as it terrified her, as much as it threatened to destroy everything she held dear, she couldn't continue living this lie. Not with Justin's threat hanging over her head. She would tell Leon the truth. But she would do it on her own terms, in her own way. Not because Justin was forcing her hand, but because it was the right thing to do. Because Leon deserved the truth, no matter how painful it might be. With a deep breath, Nia gathered her things and stood. Her legs felt unsteady, as if she might collapse at any momen