Page 56 of The Bittersweet Bond

Ben shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the floor as if looking for the right words. "It’s... everyone knows. About what happened. And they’re talking. A lot." He didn’t meet her eyes, his discomfort clear, though his tone was calm, almost protective.

Evin’s heart thundered in her chest, but her voice stayed steady, almost cold."What exactly are they saying?" Her eyes bore into him, as if demanding the truth, though she felt herself falling apart inside.

Ben sighed, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "They’re talking about your body. About you... like you’re nothing more than..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. But the way she looked at him made it clear she needed him to continue. "They’re saying... they look fake. Like... like silicone tits. And that you’re... meaty…down there."

Once again, I’m the topic of conversation.

The words slammed into her, her pulse racing wildly as the humiliation set in.

Evin’s stomach clenched painfully as the words hit her like a punch. A sour taste immediately filled her mouth, the nausea rising up her throat. Her neck burned, her mouth dry, but she couldn’t swallow.

Meaty.

The word pounded in her head, over and over, like a bitter aftertaste she couldn’t shake. She wanted to dismiss it, to strip it of its power. But it was too late.

Even though she knew her body was toned from years of training, she couldn’t stop the doubt from creeping in. Why did she suddenly feel like it was true? Like everyone saw her that way—not strong, not fit, but…meaty. Her face grew hot, and a wave of shame washed over her before she even fully registered it.

The rumor was already spreading, fast and unstoppable—just like every other time,echoed in her mind.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

How am I supposed to fix this now?

She knew the rumors were false, knew her body didn’t look like what they claimed. And yet, the shame wouldn’t let her go. An unrelenting doubt began to take root, spreading like poison. Her heartbeat quickened, her thoughts spiraling around the same question:Is this how everyone sees me? Is this what I look like?

Her chest tightened, the pressure unbearable, but outwardly she forced herself to remain calm. Inside, though, she was falling apart. Every stare she’d ever felt, every small insecurity she had buried, came rushing back with brutal force.

Why? Why?

Of course he had done it.

Why had she ever thought it could be different?

Now everyone knew what they’d shared in the dark. Never again, she told herself. Never again would she let herself be exposed like this. Her shame boiled into anger. “Thanks for telling me,” she muttered, avoiding Ben’s eyes.

He took a step toward her, as if to say something reassuring, but she held up a hand. “Let’s just go to class.”

Not again. The words pounded in her skull, relentless and cruel. Once again, I’m the topic of conversation.The rage surged inside her. They’re talking about me again, like I’m nothing more than some stupid rumor, a joke.

Today was supposed to go differently.

She’d planned to smile at Bas, flirt shamelessly, lean in close and whisper teasing remarks in his ear. Instead, she was stuck here, listening to Ben repeat the disgusting things others had said about her.

She didn’t feel desired. She didn’t even feel human.

Like something discarded. Like nothing more than gossip, laid bare for everyone to see.

As they reached the classroom, a wave of emotions crashed over Evin, merciless and unrelenting. No warning. No escape.

Once again…

The stares from her classmates burned against her skin, sharp and icy. She sat down at her desk, but the turmoil inside her made it impossible to sit still.

Her heart pounded, and anger bubbled under her skin, ready to explode. She turned to Bas, her glare sharp enough to slice him in half.

He was sitting with his friends, unfazed, laughing as if nothing mattered.

When their eyes met, there was only fleeting curiosity—no guilt, no shame—as if she were nothing more than a passing amusement. His indifference made her blood boil. How could he act as if nothing had happened?

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