Chapter 129: Deciding Not to Get Involved

"Zachary, since we're planning to get married and build a life together, I need to be upfront with you about my family. This isn't just about the two of us. It's about two families." He gave me that calm, patient smile that always made me feel safe. "If something's on your mind, say it. We need to be honest with each other." The gentler he was, the harder it became to speak. My chest tightened as I stared at my hands, unsure where to start. If he knew everything, would he still want me? Or would this be the end? Finally, I forced myself to meet his eyes and told him everything—about my mother's call earlier and the financial mess my family was in. When I finished, Zachary's brow furrowed slightly. His silence was a blade, cutting deeper with every second. I didn't need words to know what he was thinking. This was too much. My family was a black hole, and anyone who tried to pull me out would get dragged in too. He had a good career, yes, but he wasn't a billionaire. If my brother kept