CHAPTER 196

ELLA'S POV

The summer sun beat down on us as we streamed out of the auditorium, a sea of black gowns and square caps. I squinted against the brightness, my hand instinctively reaching for Tom's. His fingers intertwined with mine, warm and comforting, yet not quite right.

I forced a smile, trying to ignore the hollowness in my chest. "It's so awkward, right? Us being together like this."

Tommy's eyes met mine. "We'll make it work, Ella. We have to."

And we did, in a way. The past few months had been a whirlwind of pretending, of plastering on smiles and playing the part of the perfect couple. It was easier than facing the truth - that Trent was gone, possibly forever.

The pity in people's eyes when they thought about 'poor Ella' was too much to bear. At least this way, I could pretend everything was normal.

I'd thrown myself into the charade with a desperation that surprised even me. Late-night study sessions with Tommy, learning every detail of Trent's life.

Practicing his mannerism