Layla took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Her eyes were teary, but there was a growing strength from within, pushing her to speak.
"I," she started with a trembling voice, "never asked for this kind of life. Everyone at school sees me as trash, all because of one big lie spread by someone I thought was a friend."
Karl and Valencia listened attentively. Valencia crossed her arms, her eyes sharp as usual, but this time there was a hint of hidden sympathy behind her smile.
"When I was still in high school," Layla continued, "I was just a regular girl. I wasn't smart, wasn't outstanding, but I had dreams. I wanted to be a journalist. I liked writing, and I liked telling other people's stories. But all of that was destroyed because of one vile rumor."
She paused for a moment, bowing her head, as if trying to gather strength to continue.
"They said I slept with my teacher. And even my own uncle."
