chapter 13

Elena's anger was a boiling cauldron, threatening to spill over as she walked away from Liam's presence. She could feel the eyes of stares from onlookers, their curious gazes like prying fingers that only fueled her frustration. But she didn't care. She was done with playing the perfect companion to Liam's whims.

Trying to compose herself, Elena took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling in an attempt to regain her composure. She clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms, as if the physical pain could somehow distract her from the anger boiling within.

She needed an outlet, a way to release the torrent of feelings that was building inside her. Her fingers fumbled as she pulled out her phone, hastily scrolling through her contacts until she found the one she needed: Rosa, her best friend.

With a quivering breath, Elena pressed the call button. After a few rings, Rosa's voice came through the line, her tone immediately concerned. "Elena, what's wrong?"

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