MasukI took a seat, perching a little nervously on my knees. With the door shut behind us, the living room felt more intimate than it ever had before; we usually only used it for more formal meetings or guests. But now, it felt like it was being used for what it was supposed to be used for, and it was we
Ellie’s POV“Yes,” Amy said. “A sleepover. One night this week. I think it could be really beneficial for you both.”I looked at Dominic. He was staring at Amy like she’d just suggested we run naked through the pack grounds. It certainly felt that way.“That’s… Unconventional,” I muttered.Amy smile
“Oh, here we go.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Dominic, Lucas had nothing to do with it except for the initial invitation. This is my passion, and it has nothing to do with either of you.”Dominic gnawed on the inside of his cheek and stared at me like he was searching my face for answers.Amy,
Ellie’s POVOur next therapy session was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. I showed up right on time on purpose, hoping to avoid any awkward small talk with Dominic beforehand. He was already sitting on the sofa when I walked in, chatting with Amy, who was in her usual chair with her notebook open i
He thought for a moment before he said, “I appreciate how smart you are. You’re studying to be a healer, and you’re good at it. I’ve seen the way you talk about your classes, the way you light up when you’re learning something new. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.”I blinked. I
Ellie’s POVDinner was almost painfully quiet. We ate the roasted chicken and vegetables that the cooks had prepared, and Dominic made a few attempts at small talk, but mostly, it was only the sound of scraping cutlery and chewing and Vivian’s distant sobs that filled the air.After we finished eati
Ellie's POVThe next day, I spotted Dominic waiting outside my classroom. The sight made something twist in my chest. This kind of thing – waiting around, trying to see someone – used to be what I always did for him.When I finally appeared, chatting casually with some classmates, I made sure not to
Ellie's POVDominic's voice cut through the air like a whip, stopping us just before we could exit."Ellie."We turned back. He was standing rigid, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The mask of indifference he usually wore had slipped, revealing something raw and desperate underneath."If
Ellie's POVBefore I could leave school, I was summoned to the dean's office by his secretary. Her expression was apologetic but firm as she gestured for me to take a seat in one of the uncomfortable wooden chairs facing his mahogany desk."Miss Ellie," the dean began, shuffling through some papers
Ellie's POVI only wanted to disgust Dominic, but I didn't expect him to get so angry. His face turned red as he lashed out at me like I'd physically struck him."You clearly have terrible taste in men," he snapped, his voice carrying across the restaurant. "I just can't stand that second-male-lead







