Chapter 113

"It's not that!" Calliope blurted out, panic all over her face. "It's not that I don't want to wear it, it's just... just that-" Her expression twisted like she was trying to gulp down something she didn't want to say. Conrad narrowed his eyes and leaned in a little. "It's just what?" Under his stare, her scalp tingled. Feeling cornered, she gave up pretending. "I don't wear fakes. So... I put it in the bedroom." Silence. Crushing, awkward silence. His face went cold, the warmth fading inch by inch. Then suddenly, he stood up. "Enjoy your meal." Bang! The door slammed shut with a loud thud, making Calliope's heart leap. She froze in place, biting down hard on her lower lip. Screwed up. Again. Frantically, she grabbed her phone and sent him a message. [It's not that I'm judging it for being fake.] [It's just... if those crystals are enhanced with glue or chemicals, they could be bad for my skin. I didn't think it was safe. That's why I kept it carefully in a box, in the bedroom.] She pa