(Lena’s POV).
The doors of the registration hall slammed behind me with a loud clang, but it was nothing compared to the thunder in my chest.
I couldn’t hold it back anymore.
Tears streamed down my face as the humiliation clung to my skin like a second layer. Laughter. Whispers.
That damned look on the registrar’s face when he told me I’d be “chewed up and spit out.” It all replayed in my head like a cruel loop I couldn’t escape.
Valentine’s night was supposed to be buried. Forgotten. But now, they brought it back to life with every word, every sneer.
The way they laughed… like I wasn’t even human. Like I didn’t belong.
I stumbled down the steps, trying to wipe my face with my sleeves. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this—especially not Adrian.
But of course, he was there.
