Doyle

posted it to the university's online forum, claiming it as her own. She' d b

e, a spark of talent that my family had relentlessly tried to extinguish. He' d supported my projects, praised my unique vision, and even offered me a

into the intricate details of the design, the theoretical frameworks. Kyleigh, predictably, stumbled. She couldn

forum. "This doesn't sound like Kyleigh's work at all." "She can't even ans

e of digital outrage. The unive

ough my weakened limbs, but he ignored it. He was blinded by his rage, by his fervent need to protect Kyleigh.

, pointing at Kyleigh. "You rui

s, and a single, agonizing question ech

wind. Axel, then a promising young businessman, had been there, a beacon in my darkness. He' d wrapped his jacket around me, his eyes filled with a tenderness I' d never known. He

ispered, his words a balm to my shattered soul. "I' ll always cherish you." He had hated the way my

looking frail, always needing Axel' s attention. She' d lean into him, whisper secrets, her delicate hand always finding his arm. The

mentor. I thought I was immune to pain now, that my heart was too numb to break. But

My time was running out. I would give them what they wanted

ble. "I plagiarized the thesis. I'm sorr

her eyes wide with surprise. My parents stared at me, then at e

ing to her chest. "You finally care about

? I told you she'd come around. She just n

reaching out. "Jana, I... I know this is hard. But we'll get through it. I'll take care of you. You won't

y. He spoke of a future I would never see, a life I would never liv

t her phone. She turned on the camera, a sly smirk playing on her lips. "I want to record th

! You tried to ruin my life!" she wailed, her performance Oscar-w

hed, their eyes fixed on

camera. "I... I plagiarized Kyleigh' s thesis," I whispered,

ough the room. They had their confess

buzzed with notifications. The online world erupted in a storm of condemnation. "Jana Doyle, the plagiarist! Sh

ng" me, asking for kindness, portraying herself as the epitome of grace under pressure

e. You think you can compete with me? You think you deserve their love? They'

it. I stared at her, at the pure, unadulterated malice in her eyes, and kne

elt like a welcome embra