Sometimes you just need love.
You need understanding.
You need someone who makes you feel safe—someone who reminds you the world can be better.
But tonight, I had none of that.
Tears streamed down my face as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed, swollen from crying, humiliation etched into every line. Nic’s mother had called me a w***e—not in private, but in front of the city’s elites. She didn’t care who was there. She wanted blood.
And she got it.
The sting of her slap still burned against my skin. Janet had tried to shield me, to save me from Calista’s rage, but I ruined her party. Nic had dragged me out, protecting me while Kate nearly tore into his mother. Chaos. Shame. Pain.
I pressed trembling fingers to my lips as fresh tears fell. My heart shatter
