ASHES OF DEVOTION

"Maya, we need to talk about the Nova Fellowship."

Ethan’s voice was smooth, but his eyes held a look I knew well before he asked for something big.

The final interviews for my dream fellowship were just next week.

He sighed, running a hand through his perfect brown hair, then dropped the bombshell: Chloe, the Harrisons’ "lost" daughter, suddenly wanted to apply.

I stared, my heart pounding, realizing the application deadline had passed months ago, and Chloe knew nothing of astrophysics.

He quickly explained they were making an exception for Chloe due to "hardship," courtesy of the Harrisons’ pulled strings.

A cold feeling started in my stomach when he gently suggested I withdraw my application for "family goodwill."

He squeezed my hands, urging me to "give Chloe a fair shot" because she was "fragile."

I pulled my hands away, reminding him this fellowship was my entire future.

He insisted I’d find other opportunities, painting my sacrifice as a "gesture for family."