LIN

y voice trembling as I squeezed the envelope

this hap

e fired," he said, his tone cold and dismissive

s began to shake. My grip tightened on the envelope,

o be Hunte

, he was indifferent-polite even-when he asked about Caesar. Why wou

de sense. None

ur leave," the manager said sharply, b

as though throwing out someone's

tration. I wanted to scream at him, to ask for an expl

coul

t, and my feet moved before

until my knuckles turned white. My chest felt like it was giving in, my breat

Not in fro

and stepped into

ed faintly, casting a harsh glow over everything. Each step I took felt hea

t out. I neede

buzzing lights made the space feel cold and sterile. I struggle

with unshed tears. My chest heaved, and m

w. Not

n from the hallway, growing loude

all, locking the door behind me. I sank onto the

ave. My chest ached as I tried to keep the panic at bay. Hot

I going

my lifeline. The only thing k

heck." A bitter laugh escaped me, muffled by my trembling lips. I

happening. Not no

be waking up soon. He couldn't see me like this. He needed

ce pierced

ike she owns him," someone

forgotten as I st

d has taken an interest in her," another voice

d. "You all know how Charlotte gets. With her many scandals,

fourth voice added, laced with venom

d off the tiled wall

icing through the weak composure I'

et. My nails dug into my palms as ang

here, hiding, li

s probably out there enjoying his perfect life, surrounded by admirers. Mean

ices grew distant, leaving me

cold metal door. Frustration and helplessn

sound of Caesar's laughter cutting through my haze.

I wiped at my face, taking

d in. His little face broke into a bright smile, a

he floor with him, looked u

ing to get worried," she said, her tone

ding to my locker. My hands shook as I unlocked it,

me, her conc

ping closer. "Why are you packi

my tears spilling over d

me," I cho

shock. "Oh... Celi

hug, and I let myself

was watching us, his innocent face filled with

myself together. My bag was pac

r voice. "I can't believe Hunter Reid could be so petty... that heartl

orr

smile. "I shouldn't have brought C

how hard it is to find a job these days?

ew she was right. Finding an

lder. I knelt in front of Caesar, brus

t help but return it, though m

champ," I said so

d, his speech slightly uncle

whispered, pressing a

going