"Look at Cedric. Now look at yourself! You're not as handsome as he is, and your character isn't even half as good!"
My fists clenched so tight my knuckles ached.
"Mom, the report hasn't even been printed yet. How can you already decide I'm the one with bad character?"
"Do we even need to ask?"
The guests who'd rushed over could barely contain themselves.
"Cedric's had admirers lining up his whole life—how many has he ever said yes to?"
"A guy like him doesn't need to chase anyone. Only someone as pathetic as you would sleep around just to prove you've still got some shred of appeal."
"Tch! Honestly, I have no idea what Kate ever saw in you."
Kate wouldn't even look at me now.
"If we hadn't worked well together at the company, I never would've considered him."
My fists trembled at my sides.
A nurse's voice came from behind me.
"The report—you wanted a reprint, right?"
Cedric snatched it before anyone else could move.
I grabbed his wrist.
Locked eyes with him.
"You sure you want to look?"
Cedric recoiled like I'd burned him, yanking his hand free.
"Irvin, you're in a special category now. Watch what you do. You've got cuts on your hands—don't go touching people. What if your blood gets on someone?"