Bound By Sin

Party.

Genevieve stared at her phone, the glow of the screen casting a soft light over her face in the darkened room. Isabella's message blinked up at her:

Isa: Ashton's having a party tonight. You should come. Nicholas is invited. We're all going to see if... well, if it's him. If our suspicions have been right all along.

Genevieve's heart skipped a beat, her stomach twisting in knots as she read the words over and over again. They had all been dancing around the idea for days, maybe weeks, but now... to confront it head-on, to be in the same room as Nicholas, knowing what she knew—or at least, what she suspected—seemed impossible. And yet, she couldn't avoid it any longer.

Gen: I'll be there.

The message sent, she threw her phone onto the bed and stood up, her mind racing. She needed to act normal. She needed to be ready. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her jacket and headed downstairs, her footsteps light on the wooden floor. Her mother, Victoria, was in the kitchen, reading something on her tablet, sipping tea from a mug.

Genevieve hesitated for a moment before stepping into the room, trying to force a smile. "Hey, Mum."

Victoria looked up, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "What is it, Gen? You look like you want something."

Genevieve let out a small laugh, trying to sound casual. "Uh, yeah. So... Isabella just texted me. Ashton's having a party tonight. Just a couple of people, nothing crazy. I was thinking of going for a bit."

Victoria frowned immediately, setting her mug down. "A party? No, Gen, you can't go out when there's a killer on the loose. God, use your brain."

"Mum, come on," Genevieve groaned, slumping against the doorframe. "It's just a few people. Ashton's house is like, right on the edge of town. We'll be safe. Plus, Nicholas and Isabella are going to be there, so it's not like I'll be alone."

"Nicholas?" Victoria's frown deepened, her voice sharp. "I don't trust him, Gen. He's been questioned by the police as much as anyone. You should be staying far away from people like him."

Genevieve's heart hammered in her chest, but she forced herself to keep calm. "He's been my friend for years, Mum. He's not dangerous."

Her mother's eyes softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "You can't know that. I'm not comfortable with this."

Genevieve bit her lip, thinking fast. "Please, Mum. I promise I'll be careful. I won't stay long, and I'll drive straight home. Ashton's house is big, and we'll be in a group. It's better than sitting around here alone, just thinking about all the terrible things happening. I need this. We all do."

Victoria sighed, rubbing her temples. "I just don't want anything to happen to you."

"I know. But you can't keep me locked up forever," Genevieve said softly, stepping forward. "I'll be safe. I'll text you the whole time, and I'll come back before it gets too late."

There was a long pause before her mother relented, though her eyes still held a flicker of worry. "Fine. But I want you home by midnight. No excuses."

Genevieve felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Mum. I'll be careful, I swear." She turned to leave but paused at the door. "I love you."

Victoria gave her a tight smile. "I love you too. Just... be smart."

Genevieve nodded and hurried out, grabbing her keys from the table by the front door. As she slipped into her car, the weight of what was about to happen hit her like a wave. Nicholas was going to be there. And tonight... tonight could be the night they all found out the truth.