Chapter 183. What the Hell?

Pushing through the crowd felt like wading through a storm of emotions. The air was thick with laughter, conversation, and the faint scent of alcohol, and I found myself shrinking into the background. 

I had no idea where Vanessa or Mark could be, but the longer I lingered, the more exposed I felt. Every glance in my direction made my heart race as if someone was about to yell, “She’s back!” and ruin any chance that I had to make things right. 

I slipped into the hallway leading to the inner rooms, avoiding eye contact with anyone who seemed remotely familiar. The villa had not chnaged much since I left, but it felt alien—like I did not belong here anymore. 

It was not like I had felt like I had belonged here, to begin with. 

I climbed the stairs and kept moving past the dancing people. A lot of them were either smoking or making out on the staircase. I did not know why there was a party, like, what was being celebrated? 

I had a feeli