A Shared Burden

"Valerie, I'm being serious about your situation. Why are you dragging me into this? The engagement is already off between me and him," Sloane said.

A hint of annoyance flashed in Sloane's eyes as she unconsciously tightened her grip.

Valerie's brows furrowed for a moment, and she brushed Sloane's hand away.

"If you don't want to, then why bother backing down?" Valerie said.

Sloane's voice grew an