Inherited Fears

Seeing Vance fall silent, Tessa raised both hands and cupped his cheeks, her gaze unwavering. "You need to hear me, Vance. Whatever nonsense your dad said, don't let it mess with your head. Just trust what I say, alright?"

Vance mumbled, still dazed, "The things you say…?"

"Exactly!" Tessa declared, her voice sure. "Listen to me, Vance—I love you!"

Inside the café, Tessa cradled Vance's face, givi