[Why wasn't it Amara Greystone who was dying instead? Why is this deadweight clinging to Rowan? Can't she see that Madeline and Rowan are in love?]

[Amara lost her parents, then her grandmother. It's clear she's cursed!]

[It's only a matter of time. We just need to pray she goes soon so Madeline and Rowan can finally be happy together.]

I was shaking with anger, my eyes stinging as I tried to respond in the comment section.

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."

My heart twisted painfully at his words. My chest heaved with rage as I finally spoke up, "Be grateful! I've stood by you since high school, Rowan Price. I ignored your financial situation, didn't let it bother me. But now, you're nothing but a disappointment!"

Madeline's innocent expression melted, replaced by a flash of anger as she shouted, "How dare you speak to Rowan like that?"

I moved toward her, but Rowan pulled her back protectively. Another slap stung my face, this time with a red mark that throbbed painfully and pain on my cheek wounded my heart as sharp.

Madeline's eyes gleamed with smug satisfaction as though she felt untouchable and could do anything to me.

Without hesitation, I sneered and slapped Rowan with my backhand in return.

I watched as his expression turned into disbelief. "Why are you acting like crazy?"

"Why are you acting like a barking dog?" I countered coldly. "Tell me, Rowan Price, who am I to you?"