Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

For Lauren, who seemed to have boundless wealth and privilege, the idea of going on a roller coaster had been a luxury she couldn't afford for the past 20 years.
She was born to be a bird soaring in the sky, but her wings were clipped by others, and she was confined in a cage.
Was it because of her illness? Was it just to prevent her from bringing shame upon the family?
Cyrus' breath became heavier, and he couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke her soft hair.
Lauren's heart skipped a beat, and she moved back instinctively.
Such intimate gestures used to happen every day between her and Landon.
But when someone else, even Cyrus, whom she trusted deeply, touched her, she couldn't help but feel flustered and uncomfortable, which inadvertently showed in her eyes.
Cyrus suddenly froze, then forced a bitter smile.
She still wasn't ready to accept another person's affection.
Maybe it would take a very long time. Or perhaps it would never happen.
Seeing that it was almost time, the two headed toward the dolphin exhibit, preparing to watch the dolphin show.
As they arrived at the entrance, someone in the crowd pointed at Lauren and whispered, "Look, isn't that the mental daughter from the Beckett family?"
"Hey... I think so. She looks a hundred times better in person than in the photos."
"What's the use of being pretty if she's mental?"
"Is that true? She seems pretty normal to me. Who's that hot guy next to her? Her boyfriend? He's so hot!"
As the murmurs reached Lauren's ears, her heart raced. She hugged her teddy bear tightly, her eyes widening in helplessness.
The next moment, her trembling body was instantly enveloped in a warm and strong embrace, with sturdy arms securely protecting her.
"It's okay, Lauren. I'm here." Cyrus' voice was low, giving her a sense of security.
Lauren's mind went blank. "Cyrus, I don't want to watch the show anymore. Let's go."
"Okay." Following her wishes, Cyrus quickly led her away from the dolphin exhibit.
Only when they were away from the gossiping crowd did Lauren's pale complexion ease slightly. However, her mood was far from as cheerful and happy as when they had arrived.
"Cyrus, let's go back," she said with her lowered lashes trembling slightly. "It's enough. I've had a lot of fun, and I'm very happy."
"Lauren, don't pay attention to what they say."
Cyrus got down on one knee in front of her, raising his handsome face to meet her gaze. "Always remember, people live for themselves, not to cater to others' opinions.
"No matter how good or outstanding you are, there will always be people who dislike you and those who will mock you. What you need to do is walk proudly under the sun. The more they try to suppress you, the more fearless you should become. Living confidently is the most powerful way to fight back."
At his words, Lauren lifted her gaze, showing her sparkling eyes.
"Look at Lyse. She's perfect, isn't she? But throughout her journey, she has faced countless controversies, accusations, and slanders. Yet she didn't care at all.
"She said that she wants those who look down on her to be unable to provoke or defeat her. Seeing them grimacing and gnashing their teeth with no way to retaliate is the greatest kind of revenge."
Lauren bowed her head in self-doubt. "But I'm not as brave as Alyssa."
"Lauren, you're very brave," Cyrus replied with emphasis, his gaze unwavering. "Not everyone has the courage to make the choices you've made. You're much braver than you imagined."
His sincere and empowering words warmed Lauren's heart, dispelling the tension that had clouded her expression.
At that moment, the amusement park's mascot team began their performance.