Chapter 33

• As Dahlia stepped inside, her eyebrows knitted together in concern. "Then why are you afraid? Is there something I should know? Your father's presence has never deterred you from attending school events and balls like this in the past, so why now?"
• Dahlia paused, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. Hessa was completely unaware of the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "I-I just wasn't sure if he would lash out again after our encounter at the police station," Dahlia fabricated, concocting a couple of untruths to placate her friend.
• "He wouldn't, especially not in public," Hessa reassured her, placing her hand gently on Dahlia's shoulder and giving her a light tap. "You need to get ready and go to that ball. It's not an event that happens every year. Your time at school is coming to an end; this could be your last opportunity."