Lila’s POV
All eyes are on us.
It starts with Claudia’s voice—a sharp, venomous snarl that slices through the quiet hum of the mall. Conversations still around us, people stop mid-step, heads turning like we’re the center of some ugly display.
And maybe we are.
I feel the heat of their stares like flames crawling up my skin, and my body trembles as I force myself to stand. My legs wobble beneath me, weak from the humiliation flooding through my chest. I can feel the judgment without anyone saying a word. The glares speak loud enough.
I fidget as I reach down, my fingers brushing the cold tiles to pick up the shopping bag I’d dropped. My hands shake around the paper handles. I bow slightly, whispering, “I’m sorry,” not even sure who I’m saying it to. The crowd? Claudia? Myself?
With a
