I needed to say something. I couldn’t let you face this alone.
Griffin
But I was supposed to protect you. Take the blame. Now you’re exposed too.
Wesley
I don’t need protecting. I need a partnership. We’re in this together.
I stared at his response, processing. Part of me wanted to be angry—I was supposed to handle this and control the narrative. But Wesley had just done what I couldn’t. He’d made our relationship something to be proud of instead of something to hide or explain away.
Griffin
I read it three times. It’s beautiful. And brilliant. You reframed everything.
Wesley
That’s my job. Well, it was my job. Might not be anymore.
Griffin
It’s already viral. Thousands of people have seen it.
Wesley
I know. I’m trying not to panic about that.
Griffin
Don’t panic. It’s perfect. You’re perfect. I love you.
Wesley
I love you too. Are you okay?
Griffin
Terrified. Relieved. Grateful. You didn’t have to do this.
Wesley
Yes, I did. You aren’t going to face the aftermath alone. That’s not how this works.
Griffin
I’m not used to someone standing beside me like this.
Wesley
Get used to it. I’m not going anywhere.
I read his last message twice, something warm and painful expanding in my chest. Wesley had just risked everything—again—to stand with me publicly. To make sure the world knew this wasn’t just my story, it was ours.
“You okay?” Holloway’s voice pulled me back to the hallway. He still stood nearby, watching me with concern.
“Yeah.” I pocketed my phone and managed a genuine smile despite the emotional overwhelm. “More than okay.”
Davidson appeared after wrapping up a conversation with Natalie. “Griffin, excellent work today. Get changed, get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be intense too.”
