Chapter 5
The auction had ended, and the guests trickled out in twos and threes.
As Declan stayed behind, caught in a web of polite small talk, Celeste slipped away from the crowd
and sauntered up to Marissa.
“Well, Marissa, I think you’ve seen the truth by now, haven’t you?” she said, voice low and
sugar–coated, lips curling into a triumphant smile. “Declan’s in love with me. Keep clinging to him
like this, and you’re only going to disgust him more.”
Marissa looked at her calmly, eyes steady. “You’ll get what you want.”
Celeste frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
But Marissa didn’t answer. She simply turned to leave.
Then-
A shriek.
Marissa spun around just in time to see Celeste tumbling dramatically down the stairs.
“Marissa!” Declan’s voice ripped through the ballroom like thunder.
He shoved past the crowd and charged toward them, slamming Marissa back into the wall with a
force that stole her breath.
“What the hell did she ever do to you?!” he snarled, eyes glinting with fury. “I know I didn’t protect you the way I should’ve before, but if you’re mad, come at me! Why hurt her?!”
Marissa’s back hit the cold marble. She held her ground, voice soft but unwavering. “I didn’t push
her.”
“Declan…” Celeste whimpered, clutching his sleeve like she could barely sit up. “I slipped. It wasn’t
her fault…”
“You don’t have to cover for her!” Declan snapped, shooting Marissa a look so cold it burned.
Then he bent down and scooped Celeste into his arms like she weighed nothing, like she was breakable crystal.
“I’m not dealing with this. Find your own way home.”
Chapter 5
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Marissa stood there, frozen.
He didn’t even look back.
His coat was wrapped around Celeste’s shoulders.
He cradled her like she was something rare and precious.
That was always how it was.
Every time Celeste cried, somehow… Marissa was the villain.
She reached into her coat pocket and touched the plane ticket tucked safely inside.
One week.
One week from now, she’d be on a flight to Crestfall. And this ache in her chest, this exhausting, soul–crushing loyalty–she’d leave it all behind.
Declan wouldn’t have to see her as a burden anymore.
Because soon, she’d be gone for good.
The auction venue was miles from the estate. Remote. No cabs in sight.
Marissa had no choice but to walk.
It started raining halfway through.
Freezing drops soaked her hair, her dress clinging to her skin. Her shoes filled with water, every step slicing into the blisters on her heels.
By the time she finally made it home, her feet were bleeding, and her body was burning with fever.
She found the first aid kit, tended to the open wounds as best she could, then collapsed onto her bed, shivering and exhausted.
The next morning, the sound of movement downstairs woke her.
Dragging herself from bed, Marissa limped down the steps, only to stop short at the sight in the living room.
Luggage. Piled high.
Celeste’s.
Chapter 5
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