Wounded Heart.

f the Golden Palace Hotel's ballroom, still wearing my graduation cap, the taste of achievement fresh on my lips. Four years of f

nda Wilson on the dance floor, his fingers tr

k," I whispered, gripping Li

" Lisa tried pulling me back,

my final scholarship stipend-caught the light, throwing sparkles that felt more like accusations now. Around us, o

hs," someone whispered as I passed. "Ever since

the class I'd helped him study for countless nights, ho

rried across the mus

da didn't step away. Instead, she pressed closer, her red Valentino dr

voice cracked. "I

fall. "Just celebrating? Just dancing? Or just making a

t all on your own. Following Derek around like a lost puppy fo

d slapped her. The sound echoed th

his isn't Amanda's fault. We... things ch

same hands that were just all over her. Was anything real? Or was I just your char

. "You don't understand the pressure

student loans and her discount store clothes. Did you laugh about me with Amanda? Did you two

ho'd copied my notes, begged for my help during group pr

erek's voice softened, t

. But college is over. Real l

very penny of my last stipend for your graduation gift." I threw the envelope at his chest. "A ticket to

r between us. Someone gasped-probably a

epped forward, his blue eyes filli

you never bothered to ask. Y

y dress. The world tilted, and I bra

ever