sh. The smell of melted cheese still clung to the air, and soft chatter drifted from a few lingering cust

"Seriously. Do you live alone? I swear your energy's

r behind her ear. "You might rethink that onc

? Girl, I can barely surviv

't have

a smirk. "But I hate th

e small shop. For a moment, Dawn forgot about rent,

doorbel

ter died

and pearls that screamed old money. Her presence alone shifted th

hne Manchester," she whispered, her voice t

hat face-the same one that had glared o

phne said, her tone firm, le

ance with Alex, then follow

er fingers. "If this is about the car thing-ple

e remained steady. "Relax. I didn't come to cost yo

, confused.

ou to settle your debts and

d. "How-how do you

phne said, her eyes narrowing slightl

art skipp

pping the table. "Because I need your help.

w w

," Daphne replied, her tone calm and delibera

register's quiet beeps. The chatter

" Dawn managed. "What exac

pain flickering across her features. "I wan

t tightened.

nosed with a brain tumor. Since then, she hasn't woken up. He visits her every day,

phne's polished mask, and for a moment, she didn't see a

want me to

with you... and marry him," Daphne said quietly, each word delibe

r, stunned. "You

r been mor

on," she whispered. "And lo

"No, it doesn't. But so

uickening. "I'm sorry,

e said, her tone cool a

*

y home, the words chased her like shadows: $6,000

ith guilt. How could

e saw t

CK

's notice fluttered on the door

gling the handle. Panic clawed a

hone

t Pe

ntly. "Where are t

"They're with me. I told you this would ha

ay the rent and come get them. I swea

e had alrea

inst the door and slid down, her breath shaky. The

se them," s

*

ate, her breath visible in the chill. She hesitat

d no. But despera

deep breath

o reveal Daphne,

," Daphne said, a knowing

ut her eyes didn't waver

hing between relief and satisfa