CHAPTER 104: Secrets

I hear Caspian’s footsteps behind me. He kneels and rubs my back. “Desiree, what’s wrong?” His voice is soft, full of concern. He brushes my hair away from my face as I vomit again, the bitter taste filling my mouth.

When it finally stops, I rest my head against the toilet, trying to catch my breath. “I’m fine,” I say, though I know I’m not. I get up, my legs shaky, and move to the sink, splashing cold water on my face.

Caspian's standing behind me now. “You’re not fine,” he says. “You just ran out of bed to throw up. What’s going on?”

I avoid his gaze in the mirror, focusing on the water instead. “I don’t know. Maybe I ate something bad?”

He doesn’t say anything, but I know he doesn’t believe me. He steps closer, his hand gently cupping my face. “Cherry, don’t hide things from me. If something’s wrong, tell me. Do we need to see the doctor again? Are you taking the medication he gave you?”

I want to tell him everything I’m feeling—the fear, the uncertainty. But I can’t, not yet. So,