#Chapter 7: No More Secrets

Celeste

When Matt entered the boutique, my heart immediately took on an erratic beat.

I retreated to the safety of the dressing room, my chest heaving as I struggled to catch my breath. Why here? Why now? Why did this only happen to me?

I had hoped to go unnoticed, for him to gloss over my presence as he'd always done at school or at Jack's parties. But no, my luck had run its course. This was getting dangerous, and I needed to get out before he or anyone else recognized me.

After quickly changing back into my normal clothes, I tugged my hat down harder over my hair, pulled my hood up, and covered my face with my surgical mask.

“Let's go,” I blurted to Fiona when I re-emerged from the fitting room, keeping my head low, my face shielded by the hood of my coat. The protective layers felt too thin, but I had no choice. This was the only plan I had in mind.

“But, Celeste—” Fiona protested, her voice laden with confusion. But my grip on her arm was tight, insistent, and I shot her a pleadi