Chapter 13

"Paris? Is that you?" I cursed under my breath at my failed attempt to sneak past the dining room without being heard.

I knew I was late for dinner. Really late. So I wanted to sneak off to my room and come down in pyjamas as if I'd been home for a while. But of course, despite my tiny frame, my heavy feet alerted everyone.

Reluctantly, I shuffled my way back towards the dining room's entrance, where my parents and sister were already halfway through their meals. It looked lovely, but my already filled tummy protested against having more food.

"Hey." I waved awkwardly as they all gazed at me. My sister, Cynthia, had a teasing smirk on her face, as both my parents eyed me in question.

"And where have you been all evening, young lady?" my dad asked, and I almost winced at the sharpness in his tone.

"I um... " I knew I couldn't lie. The oversized jacket on my shoulders was obviously not mine, and I was sure that there was a pu