Chapter 173

ELORA’S POV “Are you sure you’re ready to go to work?” Selene asked for what felt like the tenth time this morning. “You can call Lucas and take a few days off. I’m sure he’ll understand.” She hovered by the door with her arms folded, worry written all over her face. Selene had always been like this, soft where I was sharp, careful where I pretended not to be breaking. “I’ll be fine, Selene,” I said, reaching for my blazer. My voice sounded steadier than I felt. “Besides, staying home would only make everything worse. The rumors, the pictures, my thoughts, they'd all start to get to me.” She nodded slowly, though I could tell she wasn’t convinced. Then she sighed. “So…you really made Lucian go back to Manhattan? After everything?” My hands stilled midair, anger flared in my chest. “What would you have me do, Selene?” I snapped before I could stop myself. “Take him back because he suddenly decided to confess his feelings?” She raised her palms. “Calm down, okay? That’s not what I meant.