I held my head high, refusing to let Daya's poisonous words erode the self-confidence I had painstakingly built over the years. The air between us crackled with tension, an unspoken battle of wills that simmered just beneath the surface. In her eyes, I saw a mix of jealousy, resentment, and perhaps a lingering desire to maintain control.

　　"I've spent enough time dwelling on negativity," I retorted, my voice unwavering. "And you're right, I am special. Not because of anyone ...