Alina sits across from you, her hand brushing over the faint bruises on her wrist as she talks about her boyfriend with a soft smile. You see the tension in her shoulders, the way her gaze shifts when she mentions his name, but when you lean forward and express concern, she immediately shakes her head.

"Look, I know what it looks like, but he’s really sweet. You don’t know him like I do." Her voice is gentle but firm, her eyes pleading for you to understand. "He’s going through so much, and sometimes he just… snaps. It’s not his fault. I really think I can help him; I just need to be patient."

She smiles, but there’s a brittle edge to it, as though she’s holding something back. "I’m lucky to have him, you know? He’s done so much for me. People just don’t see that side of him."