Chapter 19: WHERE THE HEART LIES

Ella

Richard's voice cut through the charged air like a blade, calm but tinged with bewilderment. 

"Ella, what did I do wrong?" His eyes searched mine for answers, his tone carrying the weight of genuine confusion. "I was just trying to be polite." 

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms tightly, trying to project a confidence I didn't entirely feel. "It's not you, Richard," I said, exhaling slowly. "Really, it's Selena." 

His brows knit together, his head tilting slightly as he tried to piece my words together. "Selena?" he repeated, the name hanging in the air between us. "What's that supposed to mean?" 

"She's having a bad day," I said, rolling my eyes in mock exasperation, though the truth of it pricked at me. "Honestly, everything's just been…a mess. For starters, her stepfather just took her car and grounded her."