Chapter 54: Perfect timing

Her loud outburst reverberated all over the room, her breath ragged as her anger crawled to the surface. "You had no idea how your kind ruined my life," she said through gritted teeth, her voice cracking. "My mother had to go through all of that because of people like you who think their beauty is a free pass."

"Erin... I..." I started, my voice hesitant.

Erin's gaze snapped to mine, her eyes blazing. "Don't. You. Dare. Sympathize. With. Me. Don’t justify your fake love," she spat, shortening the distance between us.

"Erin, I understand your pain, but don't you think you are taking this too far?" I raised my voice with a hint of exasperation. Then I let out a sigh and added softly, "I have nothing to do with your past, and you can't lump me in with them. I'm not—"

"Save it!" Erin spat, her hands shaking. "You're just like them – using your looks to manipulate, to control."

I swallowed hard; her words pricked me like a thorn trapped in my skin. But I saw beyond her anger; her