The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 17

The Truth They Refused to Hear -1

The Truth They Refused to Hear–1

Iva barely slept that night.

+25 Point

When morning came, it did not feel like a new beginning, but like a verdict she was forced to face standing. Her body was heavy, her eyes burned, yet her mind was sharp with one clear decision.

I will talk to him.

Not later. Not after classes. Not when rumors had time to grow more claws.

Before classes.

Before fear could stop her.

As the school shuttle stopped and the doors opened, Iva stepped down onto the pavement, the cool morning air brushing against her skin. The campus was already alive with noise, laughter, and

whispers. She spotted him instantly.

Nick.

He stood like he always did–at the center of attention, tall and confident, surrounded by his usual clique. His future beta leaned close, laughing loudly. Ella stood at his side, her hand resting possessively on his arm, her head thrown back in practiced laughter.

The sight stabbed deep.

Her breath caught as flashes from yesterday slammed into her mind–Ella on her knees, Nick’s head tilted back, the forest shadows swallowing their sin. Her chest tightened painfully.

Damn it, she whispered to herself.

Despite everything.

Despite the lies.

Despite the slap, the punishment, the humiliation.

It still hurt.

Damn heart, she thought bitterly. And damn feelings.

She straightened her back.

If she was going to fall, she would fall standing.

Iva walked toward him, ignoring everyone around her, the whispers, the looks.

Her footsteps felt too loud, too slow, as if the ground itself resisted her. When she reached the

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The Truth They Refused to Hear–1

edge of the group, she didn’t hesitate.

“Nick,” she said clearly. “Can we talk?”

The laughter stopped for a split second.

+25 Point

Nick looked at her like he had just noticed a stray animal wandering too close. Then his lips curled, and he laughed loudly, leaning toward his friends.

“Busy,” he drawled, not even looking at her properly.

Laughter erupted around him.

Iva clenched her fists.

She inhaled slowly, forcing her voice to stay steady. “Please. It’s important.”

He glanced at her again, his eyes scanning her from head to toe with open boredom. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he stepped away from the group, motioning for her to follow.

They stopped a few meters away.

did you lie to my father yesterday?”

For a moment, she waited.

For anything.

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