u or make you feel sad... but the rumors and stories are really bad, I mean-really bad. Every social group-like the nerds, the athletes, even the business school kids-has their version. And ea

idn't feel like shame-they felt human. "Okay," she whispered, voice lighter. "That one... that one's almost funny. Next hierarchy. Who's next?" Judith took a long breath and smiled-with both relief and embarrassment. "All right. The 'populars,' you know... Avirina and her crew. They said you deliberately humiliated Rex, trying to get attention. That you work as a stripper-yes, a stripper-ever since you left the orphanage, and that you're using drugs. Apparently you're desperate for money-so when you heard about Rex being a billionaire's son, you targeted him to make him sponsor you." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "And they mock the bags under your eyes-saying those are proof you live under a bridge or something. So this is your 'proof' that you're... reduced to nothing and you need drugs to survive." Ann stared at her, expression unchanging, but inside she burned with defiant laughter. "And this has to be particularly creative," Judith added with an awkward half-smile. "They even said you go to school without concealer because you're proud of... your 'truth'? Yeah, I couldn't make that up." Ann shook her head so hard her hair knocked over a loose pencil. "Let me fix that," Judith murmured, pulling out a concealer compact from her bag. "Here-I'll cover the bags. Subtle, natural. No one has to know." Ann shrugged, expression calm but firm. "No, thank you. If I change anything, it'll look like I'm hiding and they are right about their perception. And I'm not hiding, not from anyone. They want to pretend I'm broke? Fine. A lot should have broken me to nothing but it didn't. I didn't. I survived. I don't owe them-or you-concealer. Not today. I won't conceal anything, I have nothing to hide. I own my past like a badge." Judith exhaled, admiration mingling with relief. "Damn," Ann said quietly. "When did I start standing up for myself like this?" Judith snorted. "Probably the moment Rex opened his mouth to throw downgrading words at you. You found your backbone, girl. Though, maybe we could get lip balm on the lips," she teased, prompting actual laughter from Ann. They fell silent, both lost in thought-and perhaps in relief. Judith breathed deep. "There are more." Ann watc