ARIA'S POV
I should’ve said something. I should’ve corrected her. I should’ve screamed, NO, HE DIDN’T GET ME THE DAMN FLOWERS, A STRANGER DID. But instead, I smiled. My cheeks stretched so wide, I was pretty sure they’d c***k open.
"Aria, they’re beautiful!" Rhea said, her voice came soft, too soft. And that’s when it hit me—Rhea wasn’t the same. She looked… thinner somehow worn down. The brightness was still there, but dulled, like someone put a curtain over her. Still, it's like she's trying to keep the facade on.
And then she winked. WINKED. "So..." she whispered conspiratorially, eyes twinkling, "how was the night, hmm? Kane even got you flowers?"
I almost gagged right there on the spot. The flowers were heavy in my hand, suddenly smelling like lies and rot. But I smiled again. My
