Page 84 of Terror Tuesday

I grab his waist and pull him in for a hug. He clutches my head to his chest, and I relish the embrace. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

The warm peck he plants on the top of my head soothes me, especially when he squeezes tight. “I’ll never ask for anything aslong as I get a hug like this. You got me wrapped around your finger, you know that?”

I nod. “I should’ve texted, but I forgot.” When I pull back, he holds me at arm's length and stares at me like I’m hiding secrets…because I am.

His thumbs wipe away a tear that escaped. “Who do I need to kill, my baby? Tell me.”

Forcing a smile, I shake my head and step back. “No one, Dad. Just overwhelmed. Missing Naomi and the other girls.”

With a formed grimace, he nods. He doesn’t believe me. “I’m always here. Waiting.”

“I apologize for not going to the chancellor’s luncheon. Should I call them or write a letter?”

“No. It was me trying to find someone suitable for you…someone worthy of Olivia Cardell. My little blade. But there’s no one.”

I aim toward the kitchen, and he follows. “Is that why I haven’t been appointed yet?”

“Because I scare off all the suitors? Maybe…”

Alice rushes Dad and hugs him like she’s jealous and has to wipe off our moment with her own. “Dad. I want to get appointed to Duke Joseph.”

“No.” Dad, Ryan, Aiden, and Henry all pipe in at the same time.

Her lower lip sticks out dramatically, but she bounces on her toes. “I will marry him. I’ll show you all.”

“I’ll murder my best friend’s son if you do. No hesitation,” Dad says as he settles in at the dinner table.

This begins a riotous family argument about who Alice can date and when.

Their laughter rings out, a familiar cacophony of teasing and half-serious threats. But all I can think about is how soon Alicewill be inOmega. How soon she’ll be “appointed” to some senior boy like a party favor wrapped in pearls.

I don’t want this cycle for her. The fake smiles and obedience disguised as pride. The suffocation of debt masquerading as destiny. Shame with every wrong decision.

A fresh wave of nausea hits when I remember Reggie’s summer internship offer. If others know about it, I’ll be expected to take it. A good servant ofCaliphyllawould honor it.

But after what he did?—

A dream enters my mind, if only briefly…What if I could run away with Elliot?

Who would I be without all the rules?

Can I escape?

Or has my mask already fused with my skin?

Sunday night fades like a bruise under silk, made worse with the announcement of the vice president candidates.

When the sun rises on Monday morning, so does the version of me they want—the girl who smiles, studies, and doesn’t bite. Not yet.

Nick loves to hear himself talk.

Before class, I’ve heard his entire exercise routine and weekend adventures on his father’s yacht. To which I’m graciously invited.

He’s moved on from party gossip to costume ideas, and I think he’s decided we’re going as a “matched pair” to theOmegaparty this Friday because he just said the words “zombie bride and groom” and “you’d look hot covered in blood, Liv.”

I hum. If he only knew.

My sound is not a yes. Not even a maybe. But he doesn’t notice. Nick only hears himself.