Chapter 113
I stop walking and check it.
My parents.
Right….
It was coming up.
I stare at the screen for a long moment before answering.
Sure, why not. Perfect timing for another train wreck.
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Ellie POV
A few days have passed and my ankle has strong strong enough to walk on, mostly without a limp.
But that didn’t fix how I felt.
Nothing was fixed.
But, the entire school was herded into the auditorium this morning like we’re about to be scolded or crowned, no one’s sure which but everyone’s buzzing like it matters.
Whispers ripple through the seats. I limp down the aisle, and that’s when I see her.
Vivian.
She’s already on the stage.
She moves around the podium like she’s fussing, adjusting the microphone, smoothing invisible wrinkles from the banner behind it, checking angles like the world will end if something is half an inch off.
The sight tightens my chest.
Déjà vu.
Right. The last time the school gathered like this, I was standing right there-back straight, heart racing, convinced that if I was perfect enough, quiet enough, useful enough, I’d earn my place.
Dominic’s parents had show up, and announced some official ball or something. And embarrassed me in doing so. Calling me a
deserate fool.
Vivian is standing exactly where I once stood in another life.
I looked away.
Yeah, I don’t miss that life. Good luck, Viv.
Everyone sits when the doors at the side of the auditorium open, and the noise spikes immediately.
Dominic’s parents enter first. They are his parents, black suit and dress, big sun hair, red lip stick and a purse to match. His mothers heels clopping against the floor. Dominic follows a step behind, expression carefully neutral, eyes scanning the crowd without really seeing it.
The chatter swells.
But my attention stays locked on the stage.
Chapter 13
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Vivian steps forward, smile smooth, posture perfect.
“Everything’s prepared,” she says politely, gesturing to the microphone. “The sound has been tested twice.”
There’s a pause.
Dominic’s mother looks at her like she’s found dust on a polished surface.
“And why,” she asks coolly, “are you on the stage?”
Vivian stiffens.
“I-I was just ensuring-
“You’re not staff,” Dominic’s father cuts in. “And you’re certainly not family.”
The words are quiet.
They still hit like a slap.
“You’ve forgotten your place,” his mother adds, eyes flicking dismissively toward the seats. “Go on now, sit.”
The auditorium goes painfully still.
Vivian’s smile falters, not fully, but enough. She nods quickly, cheeks flushing as she steps back, heels clicking just a bit too fast.
I exhale slowly.
Yep. That was me once.
By the time she reaches the seating, the cruel universe has lined things up perfectly. The only open spot is beside me.
She hesitates.
Then sits.
We’re silent for a moment. The kind of silence that vibrates.
“You deserved that,” I say quietly.
She turns on me, eyes flashing. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
Her lips curl. “Bold, coming from someone who barely deserves a seat in this room.”
I glance at the phone in her lap. “Still proud of the photo?”
Her jaw tightens. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t,” I murmur. “It spread awful fast.”
She scoffs. “You did that yourself the moment you flirted with two Alphas.”
I snort. “I was injured, not campaigning.”
“You loved the attention,” she snaps. “You thought you could play both sides and walk away clean.”
I lean back. “I thought I could exist without being punished.”
She laughs softly. “You really thought you deserved Dominic? Or Lucas?”
I tilt my head. “And yet here you are. Still reaching for one.”
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Her eyes narrow. “I’m gaining favor with Dominic’s parents. Something you’ve lost.”
I glance toward the stage where Dominic stands, rigid and silent. “Let’s hope,” I mutter.
“What was that?” Vivian hisses.
Before I can answer, the microphone squeals.
Dominic’s mother taps it once.
The room falls silent.
“Welcome, welcome. And thank you for your patience,” she says smoothly. “We have an announcement to make.”
I fold my hands in my lap, pulse ticking steadily now.
“The family had been waiting for this day to come. And I’m pleased to share it all with you. There will be a ball,” she continues.” In the coming weeks. Attendance will be mandatory.”
The words echo through the auditorium, met with a wave of excitement.
Vivian straightens beside me, already calculating.
I just stare at the stage, a familiar knot tightening in my chest.
Why did this ball feel…imporant. Why couldn’t I think of what happened.
More and more my past life was blurring, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I would even remember it, how much more would stay the same when nothing seemed to be now.
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