IRIS

The door clicks shut behind me, muffling the soft hum of the hallway. I lean against it, exhaling a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. The silence of my room wraps around me, a stark contrast to the cacophony of the party.

"Iris?" Daisy's voice calls out, tinged with concern.

"I'm fine," I reply, forcing a steadiness I don't feel. "Goodnight."

I make my way to the vanity, the mirror reflecting a version of me I barely recognize. Eyes rimmed with unshed tears, lips pressed into a thin line, shoulders slumped under the weight of disappointment.

What did I expect? That Darian would see me, truly see me,...