Chapter 2

On my Instagram feed, Joanna posted a photo. A pair of long, slender fingers rested over her pale ones, both hands holding the same cup of coffee.

“Thanks to a certain someone for the lucky bracelet.”

The color combination was painfully familiar. That was the bracelet I had stood in the freezing wind for three hours to get as a gift for Dean.

The photo had no likes from mutual friends, and beneath the photo was a “visible to close friends” tag. I knew then that the post was meant for me.

I stared at it for a while, then let out a self-mocking laugh and tapped “like.”

There. She got what she wanted. I saw it.

After that, I got up, did my makeup, and got ready for the high school graduation party that night. From my closet, I picked out a tight, body-hugging dress, the kind Dean never allowed me to wear out. He always said I looked best in boho-styled white dresses that made me look sweet and innocent. Yet, whenever I wore those cotton white dresses, I felt restrained, like I couldn’t move freely.

Heh.

I pulled out a bold red lipstick, painted my lips, and slipped into a pair of low heels that clicked on the floor as I walked. When I pushed open the private room door, Dean’s casual gaze swept over me. However, the moment he saw what I was wearing, his eyes widened. A warm shirt was suddenly draped over my bare shoulders.

He frowned. “Why are you dressed like this? Go back and change into something else.”

Joanna walked over and lightly tapped his chest. The lucky bracelet on her wrist was impossible to ignore.

“Girls can wear whatever they want. You’re so old-fashioned. And besides,” she said, deliberately puffing her chest, “Rue’s got a better figure than I do. Even if I wanted to wear something like that, I don’t have what it takes.

“Hey.” She laughed, then reached out and poked my chest. “Are you trying to kill the rest of us by dressing like this? Every guy on the street must be staring at you, wishing they could just devour you!”

There was nothing but mockery in her eyes, even though she said, “Honestly, Rue, I kind of envy you.”

The room burst into laughter, but Dean’s face was dark with anger. He pulled the shirt tighter around me and pushed me toward the door.

“Go get changed. Be good. I don’t like you dressing like this.”

“Then what do you like me wearing?”

He paused mid-step. He clearly hadn’t expected me to talk back. After all, I had always done exactly as he said. His fingers slid along my waist, pressing slightly. It served as a quiet warning.

“Dressing like this in public is too inappropriate. Of course,” he said as he leaned in closer, lowering his voice on purpose, “you can wear it for me at home. I’m very possessive.”

My heart raced, but when I looked up and saw Joanna standing across from us, my heartbeat suddenly calmed.

“You’re into the soft, boho type of girls like Joanna, aren’t you? If you fancy her, then why are you still with me…”

I lowered my head, my body trembling slightly. I couldn’t bring myself to finish the sentence.

I wasn’t exactly quiet about it either, so Joanna, standing not far away, heard every word. The girl who had been laughing just moments ago suddenly had tears in her eyes.

“Rue, I know you don’t like me, but we’re all friends. Do we really have to end the graduation party like this? Forget it,” she sniffed. “I’ll leave, okay? There’s no point staying here where I’m not wanted.”

She stomped her foot and turned to go. Dean immediately chased after her and stopped her.

Then, he dragged me in front of her and ordered, “Rue, apologize to Joanna.”

“It’s fine.” Joanna forced a bitter smile. “It’s my fault. Rue, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said so much and upset you.”

She tried to hold it together, but her shoulders kept trembling.

Growing impatient, Dean frowned and shoved me lightly.

“I told you to apologize. Didn’t you hear me?”

I looked at him, standing beside Joanna, looking so concerned for her. It all felt pointless.

“Sorry,” I said and walked out of the room.