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Chapter 29: Unsaid

Author: Judith GW
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-14 10:56:34
(Layla’s POV)

I scrubbed viciously at the red wine stains blooming across my white blouse, cursing under my breath as the cheap break room hand soap did absolutely nothing against the stubborn discoloration.

The Council Hall break room smelled of burnt coffee and microwave popcorn, ugly ceiling bulbs rattling noisily from the ceiling. My blazer hung over a nearby chair, saved from Amanda’s petty attack.

“Stupid wine. Stupid Amanda. Stupid formal event requiring white clothing,” I muttered, dabbing ineffectually at the largest stain with a wet paper towel.

The door squeaked open behind me. In the mirror above the sink, I caught Samuel’s reflection as he entered. His formal robes remained immaculate despite the wound on his arm, which looked angrier under the harsh lighting.

“Having any luck?” he asked, nodding toward my blouse.

“About as much luck as trying to train a fish to climb trees,” I sighed, tossing another ruined paper towel into the overflowing trash can. “This is probably a l
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