Page 121 of I'm sorry, Princess

After I hang up, I scroll through my notifications.

Ian had texted earlier asking why I’d missed work. I replied simply: “Sick. Needed rest.” Not technically a lie. Just... incomplete.

And then there’s my mother. Ten missed calls, six texts, and one long voice message where she blames everything she’s done on her “mental instability” and tells me I need to be more understanding. As if understanding justifies bruises.

I text her back:

Me:Been sick. Busy. I’ll visit soon.

That’s all she gets.

Last is Blakely.

Blakely:If you’re not in on Monday, you’re fired. Happy weekend.

I roll my eyes. Such a ray of fucking sunshine. But as much as she’s a nightmare, I need the job. I’ve grown attached to it. Attached to having something that gives me purpose.

I head straight to the shower. The water hits my skin like a rebirth. I take my time, scrubbing, exfoliating, shaving even though I barely need to. I wash my hair twice just tofeel the weight of it clean again. By the time I step out, the steam has fogged up every mirror.

I dry my hair, do my skincare, and pull on a fresh silk robe before curling up in my reading chair. My favorite book waits on the side table, dog-eared and loved. But before I start, I open TikTok. I scroll past book recs and thirst traps and fake therapy sessions. Comfort content.

Then I do something shameful.

I check Lorenzo’s Instagram.

Nothing new.

But something feels... off. My notifications have been lighter. My last post barely passed a hundred likes when normally it’d be triple that. Weird. I haven’t been that active, sure, but not dead silent. Still, I shake it off. It doesn’t matter. I’m not here for validation. I’m here because, well, okay, I might be trying to build a following before I publish my first book. But still. One thing at a time.

Then a new notification pops up.

Group chat:HOTTEST BITCHES ALIVE

Created by Kylie.

Kylie added you.

Kylie added Clara.

Kylie added Sienna.

Oh God. This can only end in chaos.

Kylie:Did all of you whored around that night?

Sienna:I have no idea what you’re talking about ??

Clara:Bitch, I saw you grinding on that hot Colombian.

Me:Wait, how do you know he’s Colombian?

Clara:My brother knows him. Don’t change the subject. Spill. Did you suck Lorenzo off?

Me:What??

Kylie:She probably did. That’s why she ghosted us for a whole week.

Sienna:HEY! Leave her alone!