GLIMPSE INTO CHAPTER 5

Inside me, something was breaking.

I tried to act normal — laughing with friends, attending classes, pretending everything was fine. But the weight of guilt was crushing.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Julia's face — the confusion, the hurt, the betrayal.

I kept asking myself over and over, 'Was it worth it?'

The bracelet on her wrist was more than just a piece of jewellery. It was a symbol of the price I paid to keep my new life.

I wanted to tell someone, anyone. But who would believe me? Who would understand?

One evening, I sat alone on the porch of my uncle's house, the stars above mocking my helplessness. My phone buzzed — a message from Tendai.

"You did what you had to. We all do."

I put the phone down and let the tears come.

I was strong on the outside, but inside, I was breaking.

The life I had fought so hard for was slipping through my fingers, and I wasn't sure if I could hold on much longer.