Still, nothing seemed to stop the deluge of hateful private messages. Some even included disturbing images meant to intimidate me. I noticed the disapproving looks of the nurses, who were likely also influenced by these rumors.
One evening, my best friend called, her voice filled with frustration. "Why haven't you confronted that jerk Rowan? How can you let these lies pile up?!"
"What's the point of asking him anything? That scumbag and that bitch… It'd be better if they suffer together."
I spoke to my best friend calmly, but as soon as I finished, a sharp slap caught me off guard.
My face stung as I looked up in shock to see Madeline standing before me, her lips trembling as if she were on the verge of tears. "Oh no, Amara, my hand just slipped. Please don't be mad, but why would you say such harsh things about Rowan?"
Rowan frowned, his voice cold as he joined in. "You just can't change your hot temper, can you? Seems like the cold last time wasn't enough of a lesson."