Chapter 75. The Media Storm

Vanessa’s POV

I barely slept a wink throughout the night, just hugged the doll silently and remained lost in my thoughts.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw flashes—tormenting flashes of the blog post, the comments, Angela’s cruel smile, and then Mr. Garcia's arms wrapped around me like a shield I didn’t ask for, telling me he's got this all sorted out. My body was on the bed, beside Claire, but my heart was somewhere else. Stuck. Suspended in this messy limbo of shame and confusion and something dangerously close to love.

I was still curled up on the bed when I heard Claire's voice; she was up.

"Have some more rest, V. I'll make breakfast for you and your mom before leaving. Just make sure you eat it while it's hot." I heard her but remained quiet. She sighed and then left.

By 7:30, the soft buzz of my phone. I reached over with a hand that felt ten pounds heavier than usual.

Mr. Garcia: “I’m waiting outside. Come out when you’re