Chapter 1

At the party, my asthma flared up.

I fumbled for my emergency inhaler.

But the bottle was empty.

Brandon explained:

"Layla said she had a really scratchy throat, so I just handed her your inhaler. You know, for a quick fix. Chew on some throat lozenges, it'll help."

My breathing was already getting harder and harder.

"She has a dry throat, can't she just drink some water? You guys are trying to kill me!"

He frowned, annoyed.

"Can you just stop being so dramatic? You always make yourself out to be some delicate flower. Layla's right, you're just playing victim."

I didn't argue anymore. I sent a message to my mom:

"My asthma's acting up, but Brandon gave my inhaler to Layla."

Brandon saw the message and brushed it off.

"You're doing this again? Always running to your mom, are you in elementary school?"

He snatched my phone, held it high above his head, looking down at me. I tried to get it back.

The moment I stood up, my vision went black, and I stumbled back down.

"My asthma's attacking, please, help me!" I gasped, trying to explain.

Just then, Layla walked over, not forgetting to wave my inhaler in her hand.

"Oh, Avery, my little princess, are you *really* that bad off? Or are you just trying to get some attention?"

"Ugh, I told Brandon we shouldn't have girls at our guy's night. Always so emotional, always trying to stir up drama between each other."

I gasped for air, staring intently at Layla.

She was Brandon's childhood friend.

She was always one of the guys, super comfortable hanging out with them, even calling them "bros." Brandon had mentioned Layla to me more than once, always praising her for being a "true tomboy."

At first, I actually had a good impression of the easygoing "guy's girl" Brandon talked about.

After our relationship became stable, Brandon took me to meet his circle of friends.

Layla would always act so friendly towards women.

"Oh, Brandon, you've got good taste! Where did you find this little angel?"

"Aww, girl, come here for a hug! Let's ignore these stinky boys."

But I always felt Layla's eyes on me, subtly, with a hint of malice.

Her methods were clever.

She talked about female solidarity, but her actions always subtly isolated me.

For example, she would always bring up their childhood memories at parties.

I couldn't interject and could only sit silently to the side.

Then, she'd casually joke with me.

"What's wrong, princess? Are you upset because I'm talking to Brandon?"

I had mentioned to Brandon that I felt uncomfortable.

But Brandon would just call me petty.

He’d say Layla was just trying to lighten the mood, and I was too sensitive.

Now, however, Layla's malice was completely undisguised.

"A princess will always be a princess, won't she? Are you upset that we're not all fawning over you, so you're faking being sick?"

The guys around us burst into snickers at her words.

"I'm really not feeling well, give me the inhaler!"

I raised my voice.

Seeing my state, the room went silent for a second.

Then, a more explosive round of jeering erupted.

Layla placed her hand on Brandon's shoulder.

She watched me struggling to breathe, laughing so hard she almost fell over.

"Oh, wow, she's putting on quite a show, Brandon. Are you actually feeling sorry for her?"

The others egged Brandon on.

"Yeah, Brandon, you're not going to be scared of your wife after you get married, are you?"

"Don't embarrass us, man! You're the one in charge. If your girl acts up, you gotta put her in her place!"

Brandon couldn't stand being provoked like that.

He stiffened his neck, not looking at me.

"Who feels sorry for her? She needs to be taught a lesson, always looking for trouble."

I couldn't breathe.

I desperately pulled at Brandon's sleeve, guttural "hoarse" sounds escaping my throat.

"Help... me..."

Seeing me like that, Brandon hesitated.

But Layla spoke up again.

"Alright, alright, Avery, we're all just straight-up guys here. Nobody's falling for your damsel-in-distress act."

Knowing it was useless to talk to him, I tried to leave the room.

But as soon as I managed to get my body up, Layla shoved me back down.

"The party's not over yet, how can you leave? That's just rude!"

Her grip was strong.

Before I knew it, the back of my head hit the wall.

*CRACK!* My head spun even more.

I didn't even have time to react.

Layla screamed first.