Bella's POV
Genevieve's hand stopped mid-air, the herbal medicine bowl shaking in her grip. Her smile cracked—just for a split second—before she plastered it back on, fake warmth flooding her features.
She gazed at me with that practiced motherly look, reaching out to stroke my cheek. I pulled back without hesitation, dodging her touch.
Her hand hung there awkwardly. Her face went rigid.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Bella, you're my daughter. It kills me to see you hurt like this. Gideon... you know how he gets. He's rough around the edges, but underneath it all, he genuinely cares about you."
I let out a harsh laugh. "That's love? Beating someone until they're spitting blood? Maybe Ivy would appreciate that kind of affection—you should let her have it."
Genevieve flinched, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "He crossed a line, I know. But can't you forgive him?"
"I already did." My smile was razor-thin. "He's nothing to me. Why waste energy holding grudges against nobodies?"
