Chapter 23

Katrina

I’ve been avoiding my parents more than usual lately, but it’s not like they’ve noticed. They’re probably relieved that I’ve stopped going to the site, away from Archer. The gym became my sanctuary, a place where I could drown out the noise in my head with the rhythm of my heartbeat. But during the day, I stayed in the library, surrounded by books that didn’t ask questions or offer unsolicited advice.

As I was flipping through the pages of yet another novel, my phone buzzed beside me.

Daphne’s name flashed on the screen. Again. I stared at it, debating whether to answer, but let it ring out like I had so many times before. A moment later, it buzzed again with a message.

Daphne:

If you won’t go to this party tonight, consider our friendship as dead!

I groaned, dropping the book onto the table. “Is that a threat?” I muttered, shaking my head.

Daphne had always been dramatic, but this felt like a new level. I couldn’t keep avoiding her forever.

With a sigh, I shelved the book