No one believed my side of the story. After my admission was taken away, the bullying only escalated.
Eventually, the forum was shut down… but two days later, the rumors resurfaced online, even worse.
I couldn’t take it anymore—I filed for a leave of absence.
When I returned home, Robert Brooks, my father, threw my suitcase out the door.
“Don’t you dare tell people you’re my daughter. I won’t have my name dragged through the mud!”
That night, I dragged my suitcase to the riverbank.
Staring at the surging current, I tossed the suitcase into the water.
That’s when Adrian stopped me just in time.
“Layla, I know everything online is just lies. I believe you’re not that kind of person.”
If he hadn’t shown up that night, I might’ve ended my life.
I trusted him. Depended on him.
Only to learn in the end—it was him who destroyed me.
My thoughts snapped back.
My phone buzzed twice on the table—it was a money transfer from Adrian:
“Work’s busy. I can’t make it to your prenatal check-up. Thanks for going on your own, babe.”
At the same time, my computer lit up with another synced message:
“We’ll talk later. Bella cut her hand. I’m taking her to the hospital.”