Heart Over Duty

Tess's words reignited a spark in Gwen's heart that had long since turned to ashes.

However, a moment later, something else came to her mind, and she quickly extinguished the flicker of hope.

"Ms. Falkner, I know you mean well, and I genuinely want to trust you, but my past experiences won't allow it. It might sound heartless, but I truly can't trust anyone anymore. I know you all treat me kindly,