KATY’S POV
The ballroom erupts in cheers, then slowly settles. This is everyone’s favorite part of the night, besides the dance obviously. I try to look relaxed, like I’m not counting seconds in my head, but my heart speeds up anyway. The Blackrock names are coming. I know they are.
I’ve told myself all night that it’s fine and it’s just one event I’ll forget. But when you’re used to being expected to win something, not hearing your name suddenly feels very loud.
When it happens and it will, people will notice. They always do and I hate it. I hate the whispers that aren’t really whispers. I hate being talked about when no one actually says anything to my face.
And Zhao Lan? He’ll enjoy it. If there were no rules, he’d probably call my name on that stage just to mock me.
“Cadston Coll
