Page 118 of Fame & Rhythm

“Aston came to find me,” she continues. “He looked awful. Said he upset you, but didn’t know how. You ended things with him?”

My chest tightens.

“He’s devastated,” she says softly. “And you’re clearly hurting too. So talk to me. What happened?”

“I can’t,” I whisper.

She exhales slowly. “Did things go further than you were ready for?”

I look down at my hands. “Annie, if he forced you—”

“He didn’t,” I cut in quickly. “I wanted it.”

She nods, steadying herself. “Okay. So… you slept together?”

I nod.

“Were you safe?”

Another nod.

“All right,” she says softly. “Then why are you so upset? Do you regret it?”

“No,” I whisper. “It was… perfect. He was so gentle. So careful…” My voice trails off.

Her brows knit together. “Then what is it, sweetheart?”

I look up at her, tears spilling again. “He told me he loves me. Right after.”

Her face lights up instantly. “Oh, Annie, that’s—”

“I knew you wouldn’t get it,” I cut straight in.

She pauses, glancing at Ella.

“Annie thinks she’s not worthy of love,” Ella says quietly. “Because of her birth parents.”

Mum sighs, her expression softening with understanding. “Annie… my sweet girl,” Mum says gently. “So many people love you, you know that. You don’t question our love, or do you feel like you’re not worthy of that either?”

“I’m not worthy of anyone’s love,” I whisper. “But you all have to love me. That’s just… how it works.”

“Please tell me you don’t actually believe that?”

“Mum, I think Annie’s lost the plot,” Ella mutters.

I glare at her.

“Not lost the plot,” Mum corrects softly. “Just… a little lost right now.”

She reaches for me, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “Annie, I love you… not because I have to, but because of who you are. You’re intelligent, beautiful, vibrant… you light up everything around you. My life is better because you’re in it.” Her hand tightens around mine. “That’s not obligation. That’s a choice.” My chest tightens painfully. “I know you struggle with your birth parents,” she continues. “I know you’ve convinced yourself they didn’t think you were worth keeping. But have you ever considered that maybe it wasn’t about your worth at all?”

I shake my head, my panic rising.

“Maybe,” she says gently. “They weren’t worthy of you.”

The words hit like a shockwave.

My heart slams against my ribs so hard it makes me feel sick.