Maya’s Point Of View
I stormed out of that cursed boutique, fists clenched so tight my nails dug bloody crescents into my palms. The staff’s mocking laughter echoed behind me, digging into my back like a thousand poisoned knives.
I didn’t look back.
I couldn’t.
If I did, I’d lose whatever shred of dignity I had left, and they didn’t deserve to see me break. The sun outside was blinding, searing my eyes, but I didn’t care.
I marched straight to my car, heels stabbing the pavement with each furious step, my breathing harsh and ragged. I could still feel Laura’s hand around my throat, the phantom pain burning hotter with every passing second.
‘You’ll regret this,’ Laura, I swore silently. ‘You and every worm who laughed today will regret ever crossing me.’ I flung open the driver’s door and slid in, slamming it shut with a bone-jarring BANG.
Just as I jammed the keys into the ignition, the passenger door yanked open. “Maya, wait!” Jenna gasped, her face pale, her eyes wide with fear. Tas
