Ariana's POV
The smell of old paper wrapped around me like a blanket. It was the only place that felt untouched by pity.
Until I heard her heels.
Click. Click. Click.
I didn’t need to look up.
I’d recognize that calculated rhythm anywhere.
“Maddi,” I muttered under my breath, bracing myself.
She came into view like a shadow made of perfume and venom too polished, too perfect, too f*****g fake. Her blond hair was twisted into a sleek ponytail, not a strand out of place. She wore gloss like it was armor, and that smile God, that smile stretched too wide across her face.
“There you are,” she said sweetly, like we were old friends.
I didn’t move. Just stared at her, silent. Waiting.
She shifted her weight, clutching a book she wasn’t really reading. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“I’v
