ine Ke

gh the gaps in the blinds, h

was still open on the coffee table. I sat up, my

ree new texts

re you l

't you a

ll

't flutter. My chest felt completely

u

ossed the phone

Street, Andrew stared at his phone. His jaw clenched. He rubbed t

urn?" his assistant asked, hold

laying games. She thinks playing hard to

the dinner reserv

"Call Alida. Tell her I'm taking her to Ethan'

cks were filled with vibrant, expensive gowns Andrew h

dress. It was modest, severe, and completely devoid of flash. I slipped it

car to the Wa

s, the suffocating heat of a hundred bodies and expensive perfumes hit me. People turned to

ence. I walked straight past the crowd and positione

heavy doors sw

he lobby. Andrew walked in. His hand was

on haute couture gown-the exact one I had pointed out in

e flute. The glass dug into my skin. Then, slowly,

ed on me in my plain black dress. His brow furrowed. He shot me

devoid of any recognition. I looked at hi

looked visibly annoyed by my lack of reaction. He pulled

ndrew and swayed over to my corner. She held a cry

. "You look so... tired. Are you feeling okay? Drew bo

e dress, then

my voice completely flat

shifted her weight and brought the sharp heel of her stilet

My ankle twisted. I stumbled hard, my arms flail

ped my bicep, yanking me uprigh

other's face was re

hat the hell are you doing?" he barke

eyes instantly filled with tears. She stumbled back

ped in front of Alida, shielding her with his body. H

ice vibrating with anger. "You're going to bully her at

Whispers broke out. Eyes darted towa

tioned to protect Alida from me. The last remaining warmth in my ch

his fists clenching.

pped my cold fingers

My voice was a qui

on Andrew, Alida, and the staring crowd, and