Chapter Twenty-Six #2
I go out, I drink too much, and I try not to think about that night on the sofa in Recoil’s green room. About how everything changed.
Ella’s sneaking out too.
Sometimes we leave at the same time, but she always disappears somewhere else. I don’t know who she’s seeing, but it’s definitely someone. She makes too much of an effort for it to be anything else.
Tonight will be no different.
I’ll sneak out.
Find someone who doesn’t know me.
Kiss them. Drink too much. Pretend, just for a little while, that I’m not completely broken.
The strange thing is, no one recognizes me there.
To them, I’m not a rock star.
I’m just the girl from a big house.
And honestly…
That suits me just fine. Because if anyone did find out what I’ve been doing…
That would ruin everything.
Nine Months Later
It’s been nine long, torturous months, and now it’s February—Dad’s fiftieth birthday.
We’re throwing a party at the manor, and everyone is coming. Which sucks, because it means I can’t sneak out tonight and disappear into town. Instead, I have to stay here.
With everyone.
With him.
Not that anyone outright hates me, but most people avoid me these days—especially the Souldings.
Aston.
His mum.
Johnny isn’t as bad. He’ll talk to me if he has to, but those moments are few and far between now.
I just wish I’d never given in to Aston. If I hadn’t, none of this would be happening.
I know I’m the villain in all of this.
I just don’t know how to fix it.
Dr. Ludwick is helping, even though part of me still believes no one could ever really love me, there are moments now where I think… maybe she is right.
Maybe Aston did love me.
Maybe not everyone is the problem.
Maybe… it’s me.
But none of that changes anything now because Aston and I are over.
We’ve been over for more than a year—almost two. And nothing is going to bring us back together. I’m sure of it.
I step outside to where the party is set up. Sassy and Snaggy are tearing around the yard with Jackson and Harley, Uncle Joseph and Uncle Danny’s boys. Not really boys anymore, more like teens, but still just as chaotic.
I head into the gazebo where Mum is finishing off the decorations. “Need a hand?” I ask.
She glances over her shoulder, smiling. “Nope, all done. Now we wait for everyone to arrive. Food’s sorted, music’s ready… everything’s set.” She pauses, looking around. “Now we have to make your father happy.”
I chuckle. “I know, right? Fifty. You’re basically ancient.”
She scoffs and tosses a napkin at me. “Cheeky,” she mutters. “Now go get changed. Guests will be here soon.”
I glance down at my leather pants and flannelette shirt. “I am changed.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Annie… I love you, but maybe something a little more… dressy?”
I sigh, glancing at the rip in my shirt. “Fine. But I’m still wearing my combat boots.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything else.”
Half an hour later, my hair is curled, my makeup done, and for the first time in a long while… I actually feel good. The black dress fits perfectly, and the colored streaks in my hair make me feel like myself again—vibrant and alive.
Maybe tonight won’t be so bad.
I head downstairs as Ella appears in a flaming pink strapless dress. She looks incredible.
“Wow, Elles, you look amazing.”
She looks me over, eyes widening. “You too. This is the most dressed up I’ve seen you in months.” She loops her arm through mine as we head down together.
The gazebo is already filling up with photographers, family, and familiar faces. Uncle Hux, Macy, Caleb…
Chad jogs past and wolf whistles. He’s changed a lot this past year, broader, stronger. Still scruffy, but it suits him.
“Shut up, you tool,” Ella snaps, flicking his hair as he laughs and disappears toward Caleb.
I shake my head, smiling faintly. “He’s in a good mood.”
“It’s a party, Annie. Everyone is.”
We head to the bar. Heaters hum around us, taking the edge off the cold, and the music pulses softly through the space.
Thirty minutes pass.
One champagne turns into two.
Ella sneaks one too. Mum notices, but Dad is too busy greeting guests to care.
For once… I let myself relax.
Then Anna and Johnny walk in, and without even thinking, I start searching for him.
I can’t see him.
Ella notices and hands me another drink. “Here. This’ll help.” I take it, even though I shouldn’t be mixing it with the meds.
But I’ve been doing it for months anyway, so what’s one more night going to hurt?
Then I see him.
Aston.
And my breath catches instantly.
He looks… unreal. Jeans, button-down shirt, leather jacket, and the effortless confidence that makes it hard not to stare. My heart kicks hard against my ribs, butterflies flaring to life like they always do when I see him.
God, he’s beautiful.
I wet my lips, unable to look away. Then I see her.
Amber.
Her arm is hooked through his, as if she belongs there. I’ve never seen them together like this before, not outside concerts, not like this. Her red hair spills down her bare back, glowing under the lights, her face lit up in a way that makes me feel… small.
So damn small.
Tiny.
Less than.
I take another sip of champagne as Ella’s arm tightens around my shoulders.
Amber slides her hand into Aston’s, and they look at each other.
My heart starts to pound.
Harder.
Faster.
I feel sick.
He smiles at her, the same way he used to smile at me.
She leans in, and he doesn’t pull away.
My eyes widen as her lips meet his…
And he kisses her back.
Time slows.
Everything blurs except them.
Right there.
In front of me.
I can’t breathe.
I actually can’t breathe.