#Chapter 9: The Right Position

Kayla When I finally collected myself and walked out of the room, Ava was waiting for me, her eyes filled with concern. She immediately noticed that something was off, just like she always did. “Kayla, is everything alright?” she asked gently. I forced a smile, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. “I’m fine, Ava. Just a bit overwhelmed, that’s all.” But she wasn’t convinced. Ava put her arm around my shoulder, pulling me into a comforting side hug. “Oh, sweetheart, don’t let what the media says get to you. They’re just a bunch of paid trolls looking for their next scandal.” I frowned and leaned back. “Wait, what media?” Ava looked a bit surprised. “Oh… You haven’t seen it yet? Oh, nevermind, actually—” But it was too late. I could see her phone open on the table behind her, displaying a photograph of me and Nicholas with big, bold font underneath. Gasping, I rushed over and picked it up. I immediately felt sick.