Ivy’s POV
I sat there in my chair, staring at the spot where she had just been sitting. My eyes were stuck on that empty seat like they couldn't look away. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest, like it was trying to jump out. I felt this pull inside me, this curiosity that made my skin tingle all over. But I told myself to stay put.
Maybe Rhea needed a minute alone. She'd come back soon, right? We'd all just keep eating and talking like nothing happened. I picked up my fork, poked at the food on my plate, but it tasted like nothing. My mind kept replaying the way she'd looked at me earlier, that spark in her eyes that made my stomach flip.
I tried to wait. I really did. One second ticked by. Then two. Three. I kept telling myself to sit back down properly, take a sip of my drink, m
