Hidden Depths

Elara’s fingers trembled slightly as she dialed Tessa’s number. After everything that had happened, she desperately needed to hear her best friend’s voice. The phone rang twice before Tessa’s familiar, cheerful tone filled the silence.

“Elara! Oh my god, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!” Tessa’s voice was a mix of relief and concern.

Elara took a deep breath. “Tessa, I’m sorry. So much has happened. I don’t even know where to start.”

“Start from the beginning, honey. I’m all ears,” Tessa encouraged, her voice softening.

Over the next hour, Elara poured out everything—fainting, waking up in Damian’s bed, the confrontation with his mother, and the revelation about Daniel Regars. Tessa listened patiently, only interrupting occasionally to ask for clarification.

“Wow, Elara,” Tessa breathed when Elara finally finished. “That’s... a lot to process. Are you okay?”

Elara sighed, sinking back into the pillows. “Honestly? I don’t know. Everything’s happening so fast, and I feel lik