Chapter 39

The host of this evening's event was speaking, but I couldn't focus on his words. All my attention had been stolen away by something else entirely.

I keep looking around and notice that the atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation for the event. The crowd has been slowly growing, a mix of men and women of various ages. Waiters and waitresses are going about their tasks, passing around trays of finger food but it's almost as though no one notices them, as none of them reach out to take any. It's a bit disheartening to see it all go to waste like this, but I suppose they're all here for something else.

I don't feel like I belong here, that thought playing on a loop in my head. Everyone else here has some kind of power and influence, and yet here I am just an insignificant person in the dirt. If it weren't for Aiden taking me under his wing tonight, I wouldn't even look remotely human. As much as I try to put on a brave face and act like nothing is wrong, deep down inside my heart sinks f