Reliving the past

EVA'S POV

Years later, the memory still stung. But it also reminded me of the kindness Sophie had shown me, standing up to Livia when no one else would. And it reminded me of how far I had come since those dark days in high school. I was no longer the scared, timid girl hiding in the shadows. I had grown stronger, more resilient.

But despite all that, part of me still felt that same insecurity, that same longing for recognition. And now, working at the same company with both Tristin and Livia, those old wounds were reopening, making me question if I could ever truly move past them.

The memories crashed over me like relentless waves, each one more painful than the last. I hadn't realized how deeply they still hurt until now. Livia's cruelty, the helplessness, the humiliation—it all felt so fresh, so raw. As I lay on my couch, I became aware of the tears streaming down my face.

I wiped my eyes, but the tears kept coming, fueled by the bitter recollections of high school. "Why did she h