Natalie's pov
I spent the rest of the school day trying not to commit murder.
The whispers became even more obnoxious with jokes and slurs hurled my way.
Every hallway conversation seemed determined to test my self-control. By the time I got home, I was exhausted.
Humiliated.
And somehow even angrier than before. The mansion was unusually busy.
Staff moved through the halls carrying flower arrangements.
Expensive-looking decorations appeared seemingly out of nowhere.
Voices echoed from every corner.
I sighed again. It was tonight…
The engagement party.
I dragged myself upstairs.
The shopping bags my mother bought sat neatly on my bed, as if they were waiting for me, mocking me.
I stared at them for a full minute, then sighed and unzipped one. It held a beautiful dress, red,
