I was heading into the staff break room, hoping for a moment of peace before I dove back into my duties. But as soon as I turned the corner, I heard her voice—a venomous, sharp tone that sent a wave of anger crawling up my spine.
"You know, Zina," Clara sneered from the hallway, her voice practically dripping with disdain, "you really are a piece of work. You think you can intimidate everyone with your little doctor persona, but you don't fool me."
I froze, feeling my heart race, the blood in my veins suddenly cold. I didn't have to look at her to know what was coming. It was her usual game—always picking at me, always trying to find some way to drag me down.
I didn't want to deal with it. I didn't have time for it. But I couldn't ignore her either. The tension in my chest flared, and I took a slow, controlled breath.
"Clara," I said, my voice steady despite the heat rising inside me. "Stay out of my business."