Chapter 2 Lila's POV

The gala is beautiful. The rooftop is decorated with lights that look like stars, and there are flowers everywhere. People in fancy clothes stand around talking and laughing. But I feel like I'm wearing a mask that doesn't fit right.

Mia stands close by in a dress so red, so glad and full of pep. She pokes my arm to show me folks. "He writes for that dress book," she breathes to me. "That one makes movie shows." I cannot hear a word. I'm hunting for Ethan.

I spot him near tall glass walls. He talks to one blonde girl. Her bright dress shines like new, her hand stays on his arm. A bad thought bites inside me hard when she touches him. I hate it. I just truly hate it.

"That's Vanessa," Mia says, as she follows my gaze. "She works in the money place. She and Ethan were a thing. She wants him back now."

I walk away, hands cold and so weak. I don't wish to think who Ethan loves. He told me to leave him alone. He made it clear he feels nothing for me. Then why does my heart just feel like dust?

Mia grabs my hand. "Let's go, we must get ready for your big show. You will win them all. I have faith in you."

I nod and chase her to the room's rear, where we must stay put. A stage stands tiny with a screen that's quite big. Ethan starts, then I'll step up and show all the designs. My hands flutter as thoughts fill up my head. I tug my dress down just a bit, so it hides my tummy. This week, the swelling feels like more than before. I get that it's from a baby, still, no one must know.

A man then heads my direction. His dark skin's paired with gentle eyes. He wears a suit, tailored and trim. He looks so known, but memory fails me. "You are Lila, yes?" he says, smiling in place. "I'm Caleb, I work with Ethan. He claims you're skillful."

My face feels hot, turning red. "Is that so?"

"Sure," says Caleb. My face becomes his focus, and odd stuff starts. His nose gives a twitch, like catching a scent. His eyes go wide for a second. "He talks of you more than you know."

Before I inquire, Ethan shows up fast. He's just now there, from some unknown place. He shoots Caleb a look that speaks volumes. Caleb lifts both hands and takes a step back.

"Wish you luck now," Caleb speaks to my ears, then steps away, keeps gazing back like I'm some mystery.

Ethan stands before me now. He sports a dark suit with red tie, and looks like a magazine man. His eyes tour all of me, like he sees through my dress, straight through to the secret I hide. I tug my dress, filled with worry.

"Cool threads," he utters. His tone feels light, like the words slipped out by chance.

"Sure," I murmur softly. "Ready to nail that talk."

He nods once, yet lingers near. He stands so near, his scent fills me. He carries a wild fresh scent, like woods after rain. It drums my heart quickly. The scent haunts me since that blurry night I'm trying hard to bury.

"Lila," he starts, then cuts it off. His face grows tense. "Just...watch your back tonight, cool?"

"Watch out for what?" I then ask.

He seems on the edge of some big reveal. His mouth gaps wide, those green eyes burn so sharp I feel like I'll fade. But then, Vanessa cuts in. She moves up to Ethan, hooks his arm, smiles like a sly cat with a mouse.

"There you are," she then sings. "Folks need you to kick things off. Let's go." She drags him off stage, and he goes too. He lets her tug him off.

I see them leave, and dread fills me down low. It's more than sad now. It's something foul. Some dark, gross thing.

Mia pops up by me, grabs my hand tight. "You good? You look faint."

"I'm good," I fake. "Just stressed about that speech."

But the speech isn't it. I'm stressed by much more. Stressed by this secret I can't hide for long. Stressed by Ethan and that sharp look, like he knew some big truth. Stressed by Vanessa, who watches from afar with a smile that cuts deep.

The talk starts now. Ethan shares the plan, his tone firm and bold. The space is still, just ears open. Next, it's my time to shine. I step to the front, all stares on me. I show the art, speaking of hues and thoughts. My tone wavers a bit, but I don't stop.

Then I spot a thing that chills me deep.

Vanessa murmurs softly to a guy unknown. He's large and looks rough, with a mark on skin. She aims at me, and the man nods slowly. He stares at me as if I'm worth much. As if I'm what he wants to grab.

I try to talk about art, but my head spins fast. Who is this guy? Why aim at me? Why does that look like he hunts a thing?

I end the talk and step off the front. Folks clap hands and praise me well. But I think not of them at all. I think of the look on the man's face. I think of how Vanessa flashed teeth.

I think of a truth inside me, and how it may soon come out.

Late, as the night nears its end, I sneak out for some air. I go to a still spot up top where no one is. The town lights stretch down like gold sea. I put my hand on my core and feel the kick. That bit of life in me, the one I hide.

My cell beeps in my bag. I take it out and read a note from a strange ID. It just says: "Quit the act now. He knows what you hold."

My insides freeze. My hands flutter, nearly losing my grip on the device. I reread the message repeatedly, seeking its hidden sense. Who is the sender? How did they get my digits?

I glance back at the bash and spot the eerie dude standing solo, spying on me. His eyes are shadowed holes. Spotting my gaze, he quirks his lips. The smile feels off.

He lifts his gadget, flashing that he's the message's author.

Then, every worry bursts into vivid, chilling truth.