ANNA'S POV

I took in a deep breath and slowly released it, feeling the tightness in my chest ease just a little. My fists were still clenched at my sides as I walked backstage, each step helping me put more distance between myself and the two people who had spent the last few minutes trying to tear me down. Even as I turned the corner, I could still feel the heavy stare of both Melissa and James burning into my back, their eyes following me with that same judgment and arrogance they always carried.

Leaving was the smarter choice. I knew myself well enough to understand that if I didn’t...