The night was still, the only sound the gentle rippling of the pool water. The dim glow of the underwater lights cast shimmering reflections against the stone tiles. Nick sat on the pool’s edge, legs submerged, watching as Noah sat next to him , one leg in the water , one up to her chest.

“You’re quiet,” he murmured.

Noah let out a small breath, staring up at the night sky. “Just thinking.”

Nick tilted his head. “About?”

She hesitated, then turned to him. “My dad.”

His jaw tightened. He knew about her past, but she rarely spoke about it. He didn’t push—he never did

“ When he was sober, he was a decent dad. Racing was our thing. Then his drinking got worse and he got hooked on oxy. You know, I was thinking, after I met your mom, that… if my dad had just sought help, you know, like your mom did, then… maybe things would be different. He’d never hurt me before. Six months after that, I was in court testifying against him. I put my dad in jail.“ Noah said.

Nick turned to her and took her hand in his “ look at me “ he said a little more direct. “ it’s not your fault. None of this is your fault. He’s just a bad Guy “