Chapter 38

ELISE'S POV

I could hear the distant sounds of the ball from my room. The music and laughter from the grand hall echoed through the walls, refusing to be ignored. Everything was so loud that I could hear the ball clearly.

I laid on my bed and closed my eyes. My head sank deeper into the pillow, but no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t shut out the noise—or the nagging thoughts racing through my mind.

What if something went wrong? What if all the planning and sleepless nights were for nothing? Gina would never let me live it down if something happened. She’d probably find some way to pin every little mistake on me, even though she didn't help even in the slightest bit. A knot of anxiety formed in my stomach.

I was reduced to a maid. I couldn't attend the ball even if I wanted to. What do I do now?

I turned onto my side, facing the small desk in the corner of the room. That’s when I remembered—the invite Helen had given me, still sitting in the big bag on the floor. Instantly, an i