"I can't struggle. You guys need me to handle things."
"We need you to be honest with us. We want to help you." Lyra grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "This hospital investigation is absolute garbage. They’re treating you like a criminal just for falling in love."
"But I work for him. He’s my superior," I argued.
"So what? You’re both consenting adults. Being in a relationship does not change how talented you are at your job." She looked me in the eye. "Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool."
Mom wiped the tears from my cheeks. "Are you in love with this man?"
The question made me pause.
"I think I am," I admitted. "It's all very complicated."
"Love is always a bit complicated, honey." She smiled warmly. "But that does not mean it’s a mistake."
"The hospital seems to think it’s a mistake."
"The hospital is worried about their rules, not your heart." She cupped my face with her hands. "I'm so proud of you, Mireya."
"Proud of me for what? For being under investigation? For potentially losing my career?"
"I'm proud of you for being brave enough to love someone. You have spent your whole life taking care of us. You deserve someone who takes care of you.”
Those words finally broke the last of my defenses. I cried even harder, and they both held me until the shaking stopped. For the first time in months, the weight on my shoulders felt a little bit lighter because I wasn't carrying it alone.
"What do you want to do now?" Lyra asked eventually.
I wiped my face and took a shaky breath. "I want to fight this," I said. "I want to prove that my relationship with Riven does not change my integrity. I want the truth to be more important than gossip."
"Then we will help you fight every step of the way." Mom’s voice was as strong as steel. "We’re a family, and that’s what we do."
"I'm not sure if I can win this."
"You won't know the answer unless you try." Lyra smiled at me. "Even if you don't win, you'll know that you didn't just run away."
She was right. I’d spent so much of my life running from problems and hiding my needs. I was finished with running.
"Okay," I said. "I'm going to fight for my job."
"Good." Mom kissed my forehead. "We’re right here with you."
We sat together in the quiet apartment while the sounds of the city drifted through the window.
"Does he make you happy, Mireya?" Mom asked.
I thought about our mornings together. I thought about the way he looked at me when he thought I wasn't watching. I thought about how he made me feel like I finally had a partner in this world.
"Yes," I said clearly. "He makes me very happy."
"Then you fight for him." She squeezed my hand. "You fight for both of you."
I knew at that moment that I would. I would fight even if it cost me my position at the hospital. Even if I lost the investigation, I would know that I had tried. I was brave enough to love someone even when the world told me it was a mistake.
That had to be worth something.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
RIVEN
