Rivals Redemption

chapter 41 : Exposed

Tina Diaz

The next day at university, I was determined to avoid Rowan. After everything that had happened between us recently, my emotions were too raw, and I needed space. I could feel him watching me from across the campus courtyard, but I pretended not to notice. My mind was racing with everything we'd shared-the fiery arguments, the stolen kisses, the moments of vulnerability that left me feeling too exposed.

I spotted Grace, Sevia, and Lemi by the coffee stand, waving at me to join them. For a moment, the sight of them was a welcome distraction from my tangled thoughts about Rowan.

As I reached them, Grace gave me a sympathetic smile. "You doing okay?" she asked softly, her gaze flickering over to where Rowan stood.

"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just need to focus on my internship and classes."

Before any of us could say more, Emily Patel, my classmate and Rowan's so-called "best friend," strutted into view, her eyes narrowing as she spotted me. Her presence always felt like a dark cloud ready to rain on my parade, and today was no different. She sauntered over, her voice dripping with condescension as she spoke.

"Well, well, if it isn't the perfect little law intern," Emily sneered. "Still pretending you've got everything under control, Tina?"

I clenched my fists, keeping my composure. "Not now, Emily."

But she wasn't done. Her voice rose, drawing the attention of our entire group, including Rowan, who had walked over with Aiden, Nash, and Louis.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Emily continued, her eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Has Rowan heard about your toxic ex? The one you couldn't shake for years, no matter how much he messed you up? Does he know how broken you really are?"

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My vision blurred as all the memories of my toxic past with my ex came flooding back-the manipulation, the lies, the way he'd made me feel small and unworthy. It was a time in my life I'd worked so hard to move on from, but now Emily was dredging it all up, right in front of Rowan and my friends.

I couldn't breathe. The humiliation, the shame-it was all too much. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, but I couldn't look at any of them.

Grace reacted first. "You're a bitch, Emily!" she shouted, and before I could process what was happening, she slapped Emily across the face. Hard.

Sevia and Lemi were immediately by her side, backing her up. "How dare you bring that up, Emily?" Sevia snapped, her voice trembling with anger. "You have no right."

Lemi's eyes were blazing with fury. "You're just jealous that Tina's stronger than you'll ever be."

The argument escalated, voices rising, but I couldn't stay there. I couldn't stand in the middle of this chaos with my entire past exposed like that. I turned and ran, tears blurring my vision, not caring where I ended up as long as it was far away from Emily's cruel words.

I heard Rowan calling my name, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. Not until I was out of sight, hidden away from everyone.

When I finally stopped, I found myself in an empty hallway near the library, my body shaking with sobs. I leaned against the wall, trying to steady my breathing, but it felt like the weight of the world was crushing me.

I heard footsteps approaching, and when I looked up, it was Rowan. His face was filled with concern, and I hated that he had seen me like this-so broken and vulnerable.

"Tina," he said softly, reaching out to me, but I flinched, stepping back.

"Why did you follow me?" I whispered, my voice shaking. "I don't want you to see me like this."