The Next Day

I spent most of my morning in the library after looking for Nathaniel without being too obvious. But I didn’t see him anywhere.

I finished the Soyinka book from yesterday—it was absolutely lovely—then decided to read something centered on World War II.

As for yesterday’s events, I decided to bury them. It wasn’t my place to pry, and if they didn’t want me to know, so be it. I wouldn’t cross boundaries.

The gown Mrs. Innoson got me arrived later in the afternoon.

It was a lavender evening gown—soft chiffon that cascaded elegantly to the floor. Delicate silver embroidery traced the bodice, shimmering under the light, and the off-shoulder design added an air of sophistication. The fabric felt cool against my skin, hugging my figure just right—enough to make me feel like a princess.

And just like that, the dread I’d felt about the party melted away.

Until Emma opened her mouth.

“The party is Skylar’s mom’s birthday.”

I froze. My mood turned sour.

"Why are you so upset?" Emma asked, her hand still poised mid-air after unzipping the gown for me.

"Why does it have to be at that witchiest-witch-witch that ever witched house?!" I fired, stomping my foot, frustration bubbling up inside me.

Emma blinked at me. “The what now?”

I didn’t want to see Skylar.

In school, none of my encounters with her were ever good. She was one of those seniors who made your life a living hell.

And reporting her? Pointless.

Her parents practically bankrolled the school, so any complaints just meant you’d suffer more later.

She was a terrible human being. And now I was supposed to show up at her house? As a guest of her ex's family?

A headache formed behind my eyes.

“You do know she’s Nathaniel’s girlfriend, right?” Emma said, dramatically clutching her chest. “Is that why you’re upset?”

The first title was bad enough.

Wait… "They broke up."

Emma gave me a look. The kind that said, ‘Oh, sweet sweet child.’

"Uh-huh. Soon-to-be fiancée, actually."

My stomach dropped.

The second was worse.

"Wait—how do you know that?"

Emma scoffed. "About their arranged marriage? Please. Everybody working here and beyond does."

My throat felt tight. My voice was barely above a whisper. "They broke up."

She arched a brow.

"He broke up with her in school," I said, the words tumbling out. I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to defend that fact, or why I said it with such passion. "I witnessed it."

Emma shook her head and patted my shoulder. Like she pitied me.

“And you fell for the show?" She clicked her tongue. "Nne, you really need to mingle with some rich guys at that party before your crush on Nathaniel gets worse. And find one for me too.”

I gasped. “Who told you I have a crush on him?”

Emma smirked. A full, evil, I-know-everything smirk.

"It was pretty obvious when you were moaning his name in your sleep with your mouth wide open."

I choked. My mouth hung open.

Emma nodded. "Yeah, like that."

I shrieked, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at her. She caught it, laughing.

“I hate you.”

“I love you too, baby girl," she sang. Then, tilting her head, she added, "But for real, you two are siblings at this point. Isn’t liking him... incest?”

I glared at her. "I never said I like him as more than a friend."

She just gave me a look. The look.

"Uh-huh. Sure."

I hated her.

She sighed, squeezing my shoulder. "He's restricted area, Olivia. Don't even dream of anything because you'll only get seriously hurt."

Her words should have been the most painful part.

But they weren’t.

What really got to me was the possibility that Nathaniel was still in a relationship with Skylar.

How would I feel if my boyfriend took his "family friend" on a not-a-date, read her scandalous wishlist, promised to help her fulfill them step by step, gave her a wonderful time, and—

I’d be confused. Furious.

It was giving side chick.

I was giving side chick.

No, I can't even be the side chick—at least they get feelings and promises. I was...

A distraction?

Nothing?

He had used me and my foolish suggestion to escape his father.

Was he just playing along for fun?

Or… was it worse?

A horrible thought formed in my mind.

Was I too quick to take away his ‘whore’ title?

My stomach twisted.

Had I walked straight into his game? Just another stupid girl falling for his tricks?"

"Omo, that internal debate must be very serious because your face is doing some serious gymnastics right now," Emma muttered. "Do I need to call a priest or just grab a fire extinguisher?"

My head was spinning. "I need to talk to Nathaniel." I stood abruptly.

Emma didn’t even look up from the blanket she was folding. "He's at another mansion."

I froze. "What?"

A beat. Like she was contemplating saying more.

"Yeah, his babe's mansion." She glanced at me, unimpressed. "Why do you think he didn't open his door when you kept knocking like he stole something from you?"

I sat back down. Slowly.

I didn’t even care how she knew I was knocking on his door.

I just sat there, spiraling.

I doubted Emma up until Mrs. Innoson arrived home from work.

I just wanted to be sure.

"I couldn’t find Nathaniel anywhere today," I told her casually.

She smiled warmly, even though it wobbled at the edges. “Oh, my love, he’s at Skylar’s house. You should know her.”

The air in my lungs disappeared.

"Is there a problem?" she asked.

I forced a smile. "No, not at all. I was just asking."

She touched my cheek, smiled, and walked away.

For the first time since I met Nathaniel…

I wondered if I had misjudged everything.

Did I know anything about him?

A/N

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