Chapter 74: Love and Rivalry

LIANA

Stunned and hurt, I recoiled from Zaylen’s harsh words, the sting of rejection cutting deep into my soul.

How could he dismiss me so callously, especially when all I wanted was to help Noelle find happiness?

Blinking back tears, I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing myself to maintain a semblance of composure despite the ache in my chest.

With a heavy heart, I nodded silently, unable to bear the weight of his anger any longer.

Turning on my heel, I fled from the room, the sound of Zaylen's harsh words echoing in my ears like a haunting refrain. In that moment, I felt utterly alone, the warmth of my friendship with Zaylen replaced by a bitter chill that seeped into my bones.

As I made my way through the empty corridors, my heart heavy with the weight of Zaylen's harsh words, a movement caught my eye.

Turning a corner, I stumbled upon a scene that stopped me in my tracks.

A handsome man, almost of my age, stood beside a dustbin, his features contorted with anger as h