RAINE’s POV
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my finger caressing the black halter gown I’d selected. I sketched a similar design about three years ago, but it never got to come alive anyway. It clung to my body, revealing curves I would’ve liked to hide. I hated it.
I hated how pretty I was. How easy it was for people who looked at me to assume I was confident when I was actually a mess inside. I wanted to scream at the mirror, to scratch at my skin until I didn’t recognize myself. But none of it would change a damn thing.
My reflection knew the truth, I wasn’t a victim. Not anymore.
Years of practice had taught me how to pretend. How to wear beauty like armor, even if it came at a price. People saw me and wanted something. What did I want? No one ever asked me, not even my ow
