Chapter 52. The Black Dress

Leah’s POV

I blinked faster than normal for a few seconds and then I stood to my feet. “Wait, what?” 

“The party started an hour ago, and you’re late. So why come?” 

“I—” I was still trying to make sense of what was happening. “I’m sorry, I overslept. I did not know how much time had passed.” The fogginess of sleep started to fade away faster now. Blood started to rush through my veins. “But aren’t parties even better when people come late?”

Rafael scoffed. “Yes, but it’s different when it comes to you. You were invited because I pitied you. There’s a difference. Others were invited because I actually wanted them there.” 

I felt like a knife had been stabbed in my chest. I swallowed and then hooked a strand of my hair behind my ear as I took in his words. I opened my mouth to speak but I needed to be careful, because with my heart going this fast and adrenaline now rushing through me, I did not want to say the wrong thing