The blood roared in my ears, drowning out the clatter of silverware and the strained conversation I could hear coming from inside the house. Mrs. Graven's vicious words echoed in my mind, each syllable a sharp blow.
Seriously, how could she say all of that? Her words had cut deeper than I thought possible. I had known this dinner would be difficult, but I never imagined it would be like this.
A figure materialized in front of me. It was Liam, concern etched on his face. He reached for me. "Ella,"
I recoiled, flinging his hand away. "Don't touch me!" I cried, my voice raw with emotion. "The whole thing was a nightmare. Your family hates me, and frankly, I don't blame them!"
"Ella, it's not like that," Liam said, his voice desperate. "My mom... she doesn't know what she's talking about
