Ryan’s face turned pale at my words.
He clenched his fists at his sides, his voice sharp with anger. “You can hate me all you want, but Miranda is innocent. She didn’t know any of this.”
Innocent? I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
I remembered countless times when Miranda had taunted me, telling me how Ryan had locked me on the balcony to keep me from making it to the competition, how she had arranged for others to bully me, warning me to stay away from Ryan.
Ignoring the excruciating pain in my hands, which were wrapped in bandages, I lifted them and hurled the bouquet Miranda had placed by my bed to the floor.
Miranda jumped back, startled, letting out a terrified scream as she clung to Ryan.
Ryan immediately erupted in fury, pointing at me, his voice full of rage. “Susan, you crazy woman! Miranda came here to check on you, to bring you flowers, and you repay her kindness by throwing her gift on the floor?!”
I coldly retorted, “I’m allergic to pollen. Didn’t you know that, Ryan?”
Ryan froze, his anger fading to embarrassment as he stood there, momentarily speechless.
He mumbled an apology. “Sorry, Susan. I forgot—”
I cut him off, my voice resolute, “It’s over.”
