~LAUREN’S POV~

A FEW HOURS BEFORE THE BALL:

A few minutes after Alexandro disappeared with that mystery man, I stormed into the house, still burning from the way he spoke to me.

Like he was in charge. Like he had control. Like I was just some game piece he could move around at will.

I stomped down the hall, ready to slam my bedroom door shut and pretend none of this was happening. But just as my fingers curled around the doorknob, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I sighed, pulling it out without much interest.

It was a message from Rosette in the office group chat: “Patrick and I...