Because Raymond knew that once he told her the truth, tonight would only get worse.
When Lena finally calmed down and her sobs softened into uneven breaths, Raymond knew the moment had come.
There was no point delaying it anymore.
Better now than later.
Better from him than from someone else.
He reached for the file beside him and brought it closer to her.
Lena, still wiping at her tears, frowned when she saw it.
Raymond's expression hardened with reluctant resolve.
"I know you're already upset," he said carefully, "but there's something you need to know. And I need you to promise me something first."
Lena looked at him suspiciously. "What?"
"No matter what's in this file," Raymond said, keeping his eyes on her face, "you have to remember that none of it changes your worth. None of it is your fault. And whatever happens after you read it, I'm here."
Lena stared at the file in his hand, unease creeping into her face.
"What is this?" she asked.
