Chapter 35. Approval

Alison’s POV

For the first time in weeks, my phone felt like a harmless distraction instead of a looming portal to chaos as Kendrick’s recent disturbing calls had been chaotic moments for me. I lay sprawled across the bed, scrolling aimlessly through my feed, laughing quietly at mundane memes and inspirational posts I knew I’d never apply to my life. A peaceful silence wrapped around me, thick and unbroken, a far cry from the usual tension that hung in the air. Breakfast had been peaceful, dinner the same. Even Katherine had seemed... dare I say it, amicable.

I couldn’t ignore how Katherine’s usual air of disdain had softened. Last night, she’d actually complimented my dress. I still wasn’t sure if she meant it or if it was some elaborate game to lure me into a false sense of security. Knowing Katherine, it could go either way. But part of me, the part that desperately wanted to believe in hope, clung to the possibility that things were finally changing.

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