Chapter 17. So Many Doubts

Rose

Vienna's eyes become shrewd, taking me in as though she's seeing me in a new light.

“You are glowing!” she says. I feel a warmth creep into my cheeks. I feel rejuvenated after my bath. It was a peaceful soak, and I had been relieved when Shelby had walked out of the room, allowing me to bathe in private. For once.

The soapy warm water seems to have made the hue in my skin radiate. The hickey marks on my neck appear to be brighter as well.

I wince and move my head back as Vienna brings a brush with concealer close to the marks. I don’t want the marks covered. I want to broadcast them to the world. She looks down at me and smiles.

“I don’t think there is a need for that,” I say. I really am proud of my hickey marks. I can hear a faint groan coming from Vienna. It appears she doesn’t quite agree with my decision.

“I think it is best if we cover them. The lunch buffet we have planned is going to host lots of people. It is bad eno