72. Lost Hope

After hours of waiting for the media and Ivan fans to leave, I pulled out a pair of blue jeans and a black hoodie from my closet. I slipped into them quickly, pulling the hood over my head and grabbing a pair of sunglasses from the table.

With everything that had happened recently, the internet scandal, and the hate I was receiving, the last thing I wanted was to be recognized. Any slip-up in my disguise would only attract more attention. I stuffed my hands into the pockets of my hoodie as I prepared to leave the house.

I had to see Ivan. I had to explain everything. Brenda had suggested it, and I could only hope it wouldn’t turn out badly. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” I mumbled, looking at Brenda, who was doing her best to encourage me. “What if he doesn’t listen to me?”

“You have to try, at least,” she replied gently. “If he really loves you, I’m sure he’ll forgive you.”

I lowered my gaze, feeling tears welling up as I tried to convince myself that everything would be okay.