A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 1217

Romy stood silently behind her for a long time before Starla finally closed her eyes and sighed. "Why aren't you saying anything?"

She had known Romy was there the second she walked up.

Romy stepped forward and sat beside her, following her gaze toward the distant mountains. Smaro Town really was stunning—the rolling peaks looked like a masterfully painted canvas.

"Have you made up your mind?" Romy asked.

Starla turned to look at her. "About what?"

"Whatever you decide, I'll help you."

Help. The word made Starla's stomach instantly tie itself in knots. She was terrified of that word now. Accepting help always seemed to demand a soul-crushing price in return.

Back in Marina City, when she had waged her desperate war against the Yelchins, Herbert had been her shield. Yardley had stood firmly at her back. But she had been entirely ignorant of the massive strings attached to their aid. Yardley claimed she had obligations as a member of the Hoggart family. And Herbert... when she eventually tried to pull away, he acted as if she was betraying every ounce of support he had given her.

Now, she was paralyzed by the very concept of relying on anyone.

Seeing her silence, Romy offered a small smile. "What is it?"

"It's nothing. I don't need any help," Starla replied curtly.

It wasn't just that she didn't need it—she didn't dare take it.

Romy seemed to read her mind. "Don't need it, don't trust it, or don't dare take it?"

Probably a heavy mix of the latter two.

"Why would you even offer to help me?" Starla asked.

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