Chapter 143

Laila’s POV

I stood there, frozen, as the weight of their words settled around me like a suffocating fog. My heart thudded painfully against my ribs, but I refused to let the turmoil show on my face. Instead, I focused on keeping my expression neutral, my lips pressed tightly together. Hamilton’s accusations cut deep, her voice sharp and precise like a blade aimed directly at me.

“I’m not Lila?” The thought swirled in my mind, bitter and hollow. I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails biting into my palms as I fought the urge to lash out. Anger surged within me, but I buried it deep. Now wasn’t the time to lose control.

Hamilton’s words carried on, dissecting me piece by piece as if I were some sort of experiment under her scrutiny. “She doesn’t even swim well anymore,” she spat, her eyes narrowing. “And she doesn’t care for love—she doesn’t even want Nolan anymore!” Her triumphant smirk made my stomach churn.

She was right about some things, but she