Ximena's POV
The moment Kane's cruel words reached my ears, it felt like every ounce of oxygen vanished from the crowded cafeteria.
"The only reason people even bother with you is Anton."
"Everyone just pities him for being stuck with such a pathetic twin."
Each whispered comment from the surrounding students sliced through me like shards of glass. My eyes began to water, a burning sensation building behind them. I sensed Anton beside me, his entire frame tensing with rage, but I refused to remain there for whatever came next.
My lunch tray crashed to the ground as I fled, pushing through a cluster of girls near the exit. Behind me, cruel laughter exploded - though perhaps it only existed in my tortured mind.
Regardless, breathing became impossible. My chest constricted painfully while my heartbeat thundered in my skull.
"Ximena! Hold on!" Glenda's voice echoed from somewhere in my wake.
