Talk Of The Town ✔️

20

Fatigue had weakened Anya's body when she woke up the next day. After coughing a few times, she touched her forehead. Fever burned her body. Sweat has formed patches all over her T-shirt.

Grabbing the water bottle on the nightstand, she emptied the soothing liquid down her dehydrated throat. Struggling out of bed, Anya forced herself to go to the bathroom, where she brushed her teeth and showered.

Wearing the thickest black leggings and jumper she owned, she opened the door.

The house was quiet as usual. Anya trudged down the hallway, dreading to encounter her father. To her luck, she caught him entering his car from a window. Anya sighed in relief despite, sooner or later, she'd have to confront him.

Madiha sat in the dining room with a steaming mug of coffee in hand, reading the newspaper.

"There's coffee in the kitchen," she said.

"I'll have tea. I think I'm sick."

Madiha put the newspaper down, glaring at her.

"Sit, I'll bring it for you."

Anya obeyed. Her heart beating faster. Her mother's footsteps echoed. She turned the kettle on and washed a few dishes in the meantime. When she arrived, Anya took the cup with a shaky hand.

Her mother touched her forehead and the side of her neck.

"Have this toast with jam. I'll take you to the doctor."

"Thank you"

Madiha returned to her chair and drank her coffee. She grabbed the newspaper and decided against reading it.

"Your father told me everything."

Anya lowered her head, closing her eyes. Her palms heated against the side of the cup.

"We are disappointed in both of you. Noah looked like a nice guy, and you've always been our good girl. Where did you go wrong?"

Anya bit her inner cheeks, attempting to hold the tears at bay. They will never believe Noah didn't kiss her.

Only two people could have shared her father's whereabouts and time of arrival with Noah.

Taylor or Kiara

Or Love Venom herself – she did say people have used negative publicity to their advantage. Maybe, Noah became so pissed at her that he texted Love Venom. After all, this renowned cyberbully is watching both of them.

A shiver ran down her spine. If Noah decided to teach her a good lesson the same night, it meant she had messed with the wrong guy.

"It was a mistake. It will never happen again."

"Do you love him?"

"No"

"You were kissing him last night."

"I'm too sick to argue or defend myself. I promise you it will never repeat."

"Right now, we can't trust any promise of yours. Taylor called early in the morning. She wants to start her old job back on Monday. Care to explain."

Anya shook her head and took a bite of the toast.

Her mother dropped the conversation when she spoke no more. She finished her breakfast and headed upstairs to get ready.