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The cool night air was a relief as I stepped back out to the pool, Alessandra by my side. The effects of the powder were hitting me, a slow warmth spreading through my limbs. Everything felt lighter, easier, like the weight that had been sitting on my chest all night was finally starting to lift. I let out a small, shaky breath, trying to center myself.

The patio was still full of people, the models laughing and lounging around the pool, their laughter echoing in the night. My eyes scanned the scene, trying to anchor myself in something familiar. Then it hit me—Elizabeth. I hadn't seen her in a while, and the sudden thought made my chest tighten again, despite the haze.

I looked around for her but couldn't find her. Panic started bubbling up before I forced it down. Stay calm, I reminded myself. With shaky steps, I made my way over to Taylor and Karlie, who were chatting by the poolside.

"Where's Beth?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, trying to act like I wasn't on the verge of spiraling again.

Taylor glanced across the pool and nodded toward the far side. "She's over there," she said with a knowing smile. "Talking to Lily."

My gaze followed Taylor's gesture, and there she was—Elizabeth, sitting close to Lily Donaldson. The two of them were deep in conversation, their heads tilted toward each other, a soft smile playing on Elizabeth's lips. They looked comfortable, cozy even. I felt a weird mix of relief and... something else, something I didn't want to examine too closely.

I forced a smile and nodded. "Thanks," I muttered before turning back to my friends.

Alessandra stayed close to me, her presence grounding me more than she probably realized. She didn't say anything, just watched me with those sharp, knowing eyes of hers. She'd always had this way of understanding what I needed without me having to say it, and tonight, I was grateful for that.

As the night wore on, the models slowly started calling it quits one by one. The party's energy shifted, the laughter quieter, the movements slower as everyone began winding down. My head was spinning, the powder making everything feel both muted and heightened at the same time. I was still teetering on the edge of something—anger, sadness, I couldn't tell—but I was trying to keep it together.

Candice's voice broke through the hum of conversation as she stepped onto the patio. "I'm heading to bed," she announced, her voice softer than usual, almost hesitant. She looked tired, her eyes avoiding mine as she addressed the group. "I'm exhausted."

I felt my stomach churn, a sharp reminder of everything I'd been trying to forget. I watched her turn to leave, and before I could stop myself, I was on my feet, following her into the house.

"Y/N, don't," I heard Alessandra call after me, her voice firm but distant, like it was coming from underwater. I ignored her. I couldn't stop myself. I needed answers. I needed to know.

I caught up to Candice in the bedroom. She was already pulling back the covers when I shut the door behind me with a soft click. She turned to look at me, her face tired, her eyes wide with something like guilt or frustration—maybe both.

"Did you do it?" I blurted out, my voice sharper than I intended. "Did you fuck Toni again?"

Candice's eyes widened, her body going rigid at my accusation. "No," she said quickly, shaking her head. "Absolutely not, babe. I wouldn't do that to you. She and I just talked, nothing more baby"

I let out a bitter laugh, my heart pounding. "I don't know, Candice! You cheated before—what's stopping you from doing it again? What's stopping you from fucking her again?!"

Candice's face fell, and she sat down on the edge of the bed, rubbing her temples like she was exhausted from the conversation before it had even really started. "I made a mistake," she said quietly, her voice strained. "I apologized, and you forgave me. But you have to trust me, Y/N. I'm not that person anymore."

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