Chapter 16

Steve and my mother talked and laughed the whole way to the party. I kept my head down as Nat stared at me, studying my every move. I tried to pretend like I was okay and happy, but I couldn't shake the feeling that she saw right through that.

As I pulled up to the party, the door came open, and Steve got out, followed by my mother. Nat turned to me before she got out. "You looked beautiful, Willow," she said with a warm smile.

I forced a small smile in return, trying to hide the fear and anxiety bubbling inside me. As I stepped out of the car, I could already hear the loud music and laughter coming from the mansion where the party was being held. Steve put an arm around my mother as they walked towards the entrance, leaving me to follow behind them.

As we entered the party, I immediately felt out of place among all the extravagance and wealth surrounding me. The guests were dressed in designer clothes and expensive jewellery, their faces painted with fake smiles and empty conversati