ELENA’S POV
When we finally pulled apart, the world seemed to pause, as if the universe itself was holding its breath. My chest rose and fell in jagged rhythms, my heart thundering so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it.
With my hands clenched, I turned to face the crowd. Their stares felt like weights pressing down on my shoulders. The air was thick, almost suffocating, but I stood tall, my chin lifted. This was it—my moment to tear off the mask I’d worn for far too long.
"Just because Aiden and I answered all those questions correctly," I began, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me, "doesn’t mean we’re the perfect couple. It doesn’t mean we love each other. In fact..." I paused, letting the words hang in the air like a blade poised to fall. "We’re no longer to
