Back then, it was Darell who rushed to my side, shielding me with everything he had. He’d pull me into his chest, cover my ears, and block out the cruel voices.
He’d look me in the eye, angry but protective, and ask, “Why didn’t you tell me you were being bullied? Don’t you see me as family?”
But the man I saw now was the one who had pushed me straight into this nightmare.
“I’m sorry,” I said, forcing the words through clenched teeth. “No comment.”
With all the strength I had, I tried to push through the crowd. No one could see the tears behind my sunglasses.
But I hadn’t even made it a few steps before another flash of cameras and excited shouts told me someone else had arrived.
Darell and Margot.
They’d been on the same flight as me—first class for them, economy for me. Our paths barely crossed, but it felt like we were in two completely different worlds.
Through the edge of my sunglasses, I saw him.
Darell was staring straight at me.
I turned, ready to run—but his voice cut through the crowd like a blade.
“Regina, what are you running from? Get over here and apologize for what you did.”
I froze. For a second, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
His voice was calm. Too calm.