Julian looked pleased, completely unaware of what was happening inside me. “That’s my twin brother. I should’ve introduced him earlier, but he travels a lot. And… well, things with Grandma weren’t great before. Only recently did he come back and apologize.”
I couldn’t even process it properly. My chest felt like it was being pressed from all sides.
Then the door shifted again.
And she walked in.
Mira.
The same girl who had made my life miserable since school.
The queen of every hallway she entered—always loud, always untouchable, always making sure I knew I didn’t belong anywhere near her world.
She ruined my name with rumors, turned people against me with whispers, laughed at my clothes, and made sure I never felt safe walking alone. She cornered me, humiliated me, and turned every day into something I had to survive instead of live.
And somehow, she still looked perfect.
Red lipstick. Soft curls. Expensive dress. She lit up the room like she owned it.
“Aria!” she squealed dramatically, rushing toward me with open arms. “Oh my gosh, it’s been forever!”
Before I could even step back, she hugged me.
My body went rigid instantly.
Every nerve in me recoiled at the contact, like my skin refused to accept it.
She pulled away slightly, studying me. Her smile wavered when she saw I wasn’t smiling back.
A small pout formed. “What, still not over me?” she said lightly, tilting her head. Then she gave a soft laugh. “Wait… shouldn’t I be the one scared of you? You used to bully me, remember?”
My breath caught.
Julian turned sharply toward me. “Bully you? Aria, what is she talking about?”
Mira placed a hand on her chest like she was hurt. “Oh… I guess she never mentioned it,” she said sweetly. “We were friends once. Until she turned on me.”
I shoved Mira hard enough that she staggered back, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.
“You’re the one who ruined me!” I cried, my voice cracking under the weight of everything. “You destroyed my life!”
I didn’t stay to hear anything else. I turned and bolted out of the apartment, tears already blurring my sight.
Behind me, Julian’s voice snapped through the air. “Aria!”
But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. My chest felt tight, like something inside me was collapsing in on itself.
I barely made it to the hallway when he caught up. His hand clamped around my arm and spun me back toward him.
“What is wrong with you?” he hissed.