Ella We spent the rest of the ride back to the mansion in silence. I kept grinding my teeth over my frustration with Logan; I hated feeling this way, like I was spiraling out of control. I had thought that telling him would have made me feel better, but after today, I wasn’t so sure. Here I was, having to fight off Marina’s advances, and all the while Logan wouldn’t even tell me what his plan was. He kept assuring me that I was safe, and I believed him, but I hated not

Ella I stared down at the midnight blue dress in my hands with my brow furrowed. Why was Logan going to such lengths for a networking event? This dress and jewelry was expensive, I could tell; but why? Why buy it for me? He knew I wasn’t the type to expect gifts, and we were not together, so what was his deal? 

Ella When Logan and I finally pulled apart, I was left breathless, my head whirling. Logan looked at me expectantly as the music came to an end and the other couples that were dancing around us began to disperse. “Logan, I—” “Just tell me you will,” he said, already taking a step back.

Ella I watched as Logan and the mysterious man disappeared from view, my unease growing with each step they took. The whole situation left a bitter taste in my mouth, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Despite the lively atmosphere of the party continuing around me, I couldn’t help but feel isolated and uncertain. The whole situation was odd. First there was the networking party disguised as a “holiday party”. Then there was the mysterious

Ella After pulling apart from my hug with the housekeeper, I made my way through the throng of party guests and outside into the cool night air. Even though it was almost midnight, the party was still in full swing and would likely go on for a couple more hours at least. As I stepped into the garden, the sound of the music coming from inside wafted over everything and created a hazy, dreamlike world in combination with the sounds of the crickets and the distant city lights. However, as I