Ivy's POV

I felt all eyes on me… again. Why did it always feel like I was under a spotlight, as if everyone was waiting in silent anticipation for me to falter?

I couldn’t cry, couldn’t laugh, couldn’t even glance around. My skin prickled with unease. My gaze drifted to Luchein, who still held his glass raised toward me, his sharp stare locked on mine.

My fingers had been clenched tightly into the hem of my dress the whole time. Finally, I released them and reached for the glass ...