CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

VENITA:

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, my hands trembling as I tried to regain composure. The ordeal I had just been through had left me emotionally drained, and I desperately needed to pull myself together. I examined my reflection closely, attempting to fix my disheveled appearance.

My satin green top, once pristine, was now damp with tears. My eyes were red and swollen, an unacceptable look that betrayed the composed image I was expected to present. I was a mess.

As I wiped away the remnants of my breakdown, I suddenly heard buzzes that sounded like a light bulb malfunctioning and then low whispers followed. It was so close as if I sat in the midst of those murmuring. Landon's voice was the next thing I heard and it was clear as if he was outside the bathroom. Jason wanted to come after me but Landon sounded strangely nonchalant, which left me baffled. Did he hold some deep-seated grudge against me? Was that the reason for his apparent indifference to my distress?

What pu