na'

ded by so much beauty and

lings, chandeliers like frozen waterfalls, and antique furniture that probably bel

surface felt co

ay, and the weight of this l

g. An entire spread of fresh fruit, flaky pastries, poach

of the dining room bringi

cup of tea in front of me. She blinked like I'd spoken a langu

ce but the sameness. They all moved the same way.

en he

ack double-breasted suit w

I finally understand why most girls would swoon a

ment as he gazed at me. He didn't s

oured himself a cup, and leaned aga

throat. "Go

dn't

e if you'd be

th

nore how tense my hands felt w

llowing me to stay here. I

t do it

is voice was

ierced my green ones. Or should I say my grey o

alk or ask questions. You're here to do exactly what you were pai

spond , but he raised a

't a favour. It's a transaction," he said, walking toward me sl

hat doesn't have to

ued. "You'll speak only what's rehearsed. You'

as just a breath away from my face. His

of turn, I'll make sure your ne

. Way too close. And for a terrifying moment, I coul

tea I was holding. "Cami

hat, he turned

e. No gla

*

o remain in my room too embar

fruit arranged like sculpture, eggs I

or even bothere

thm here. Contro

room, the one where the no

was no trace of it. N

ching for anyone to tell. I found a staff in the hallway and

the girl had said to me, her brow

aybe I didn't. I didn't have

ade no sound on the marble floor, but her

es that were lined up in the closet. "Cam

dress code," I muttered, the words s

viduality, Elena. You're here to disappear," she sa

lessons. Pacing exercis

ers not knowing whet

vast halls, "Camila was crafted. People studied her posture, the way s

to pretend like I

t me. "Your job is to make others

on the walls. Their eyes followed me, staring

e living ones

lighting and older architecture. I still couldn't believe I

different. It was way less c

uddenly appeared in front of me. I recognized her immed

ine

ther. The mistre

blonde hair pulled into a soft twist. She looked like someo

like my name tasted

fr

her hand to

he actually wan

e her knuckles instead. I glanced back up

le that didn't reach her ey

itation, disappearing out of t

g area draped in velvet and whispers. I f

drink of green tea, and gesture

said suddenly, sipping her tea. "Chemistry.

nd said nothing. Words we

er," she mused. "You'

n adj

ard with a smile that threatened to slice th

e. "I... I don

the sofa. "Camila was a darling in public, but privately? She had edges. People

e to my ear, her bre

what we let t

ou're not Camila," she whispered. "Bu

oat we

queen with a pet. "I don't need you to like me. But I need you not t

ne said quietly. "Now I wonder if she simpl

h satin. "Be careful what truths you learn here, E

smiled and

hell just

*

into the courtyard that faced my window

I th

s suit jacket was off, sleeves rolled, a single earpiece tucked discre

sed to be unaccom

eded

reathing on schedule," he said, h

as even speaking to me at all.

because he was the only one who didn't pretend. Or maybe be

ard too?" I asked him, fi

a bit then

t first, but I am Cassia

e trust

he said, maintaining

something cold se

g his expression. "Did the doctors sa

ithout returning it, he said, "You h

confused. "What

. You're clever but desperate. Desperate eno

t all surprised he kne

ng questions," he said, his voice final and

ew. He had a perfect view of my room window. I sud

indeed bei

o chase the thought away,

tside felt..

ored out of my mind, trying to memorize t

shelves like her life depended on it. I slowly walked to

offered.

quickly, not making

forcing a smile.

don't speak unles

," I said to her, a littl

he didn'

rned, and walked straight out of

use moved like shad

ead back to my room

*

enough, I missed the boutique. I felt cold and unfamiliar with this n

. I stood up from my bed suddenly craving the milk an

g I could remember my way back. My feet kept walking till I met a dark wood door. I was curious becau

a securi

all the doors, this w

me, so I bent closer towards

hind the door. At first I thought it could just

d. It sounded too heavy to be a

another thud. He

, heart hammering rapidly against my che

I heard a thundering voice

do you think