"I'm done pretending nothing's wrong. I'm done letting other people manipulate me. And I'm done hurting people I shouldn't have hurt."
Aurora stared at her with a blank expression that made Diana's chest tighten. But Aurora said nothing.
So Diana continued, seeming to gather courage with every word. "I know what kind of person I've been. I know the reputation I built. I know the things I did to make people hate me. I also know I hurt the wrong people along the way." Her throat bobbed. "Including you."
A murmur spread through the classroom. A few students exchanged curious glances. Confessions from Diana were as rare as frost in summer.
Aurora leaned back slightly, folding her arms. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Diana whispered. "And I'm trying to change. I'm trying to atone for the things I did… even if it's too late."
Aurora laughed calmly, almost as if she had heard a harmless joke instead of an apology drenched in desperation.
