#Chapter 18: The Dress

ELENA My pulse quickened as I turned slightly, catching sight of her standing just a few feet away, her back to me. Caroline was with her, nodding along. I remained still, my heart thudding in my chest. Whatever Cassandra was scheming, I needed to be ready. I should have left. I should have taken a dress—any dress, and walked out of the boutique, disappearing before Cassandra and Caroline even knew I was here. But instead, I stood frozen behind a drawn-back curtain, listening to their voices slither through the racks of silk and lace. If they’d only glanced in my direction, they would have seen me standing there with Vanessa and the other attendant, who were still holding out several lovely gowns for my inspection. “…Derek ignored me for months because of her,” Cassandra seethed. “I should have known she was playing him.” Caroline hummed in agreement, but Cassandra was on a roll. “She actually made him question whether or not my old arm injury was real. I mean the nerve!”