First off, let me make one thing absolutely clear: this post is NOT for my amazing readers—the ones who have messaged me encouragement, left thoughtful reviews, and taken the time to support my work genuinely and selflessly. To my ARC readers, loyal followers, and those who reached out with kindness, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You know who you are. You are the reason I ever felt encouraged to keep sharing my stories at all.

But this post isn't about you.

It's about the other side of...