CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

I drop my suitcase in my room, my heart heavy with dread as I realize what I must do next. As much as every fiber of my being rebels against the idea, I know I have no choice but to seek out Alice and ask about Alex' whereabouts. His brothers, even if I had their numbers, are unlikely to answer, and calling his parents would only raise alarm before I even know if he's truly missing or just taking a break from the world. That leaves Alice as my only remaining option.

With leaden feet, I make my way to her door. I knock softly, the sound echoing in the stillness.  "Come in," she calls, her voice dripping with false sweetness.  I step inside, and the stark contrast between her room and mine is like a slap in the face. Hers is a haven of luxury, with a queen-sized bed draped in the most expensive bedsheets money can buy, all in her favorite shade of pink. The sight stirs a bittersweet memory of my own room, once adorned in similar hues until Alice's jealousy forced me t