Caught Between (If Roses Are Red #1)

Chapter 30

My phone buzzed once again. I couldn't find a private spot to answer the call as everyone kept calling to me and discussing wealthy speak.

I nodded​ and grinned​ till my cheeks hurt. I'm tired of this. What if it's Nolan that is calling?

I leaned against the wall and looked at my phone. It wqs Brie calling. I answer covering my other ear to hear better.

"Hello?" I said.

Sobs came to me. "Anna where are you? You have to come."

"Why? What's wrong?" My brows furrowed as I strained to hear over the laughter and music.

"It's Kim. You have to-" The line went silent.

"What's wrong? Hello?" I yelled into my phone.

"Anna, it's Vickie. Come to the Orion Hospital now. Kim is sick."

My heart pound hard. I pushed against the wall and ran towards the exit bumping into people.

"Anna, where are you going?" Queen Gabrielle popped out of nowhere making me screech to a stop.

"My friend, Kim, she is sick." I let out breathless.

Her expression became concerned. I didn't know if it is genuine or fake but I let her take me away from the crowd.

"She is going to be okay. I promise you would visit her tomorrow, okay? You need to attend to this party first. Make an impression."

I could only nod even as worry ate me.

"Nolan is arriving tomorrow." She announced as she dropped me off in front of my house.

"Oh." I almost whoop. Then I remember Kim. I really hope she gets well by tomorrow.

I dial her number but it's switched off. I entered​ my room and change into my pajama. I laid on my bed looking at my phone,  reading the various gossip bloggers put up. I scroll down the screen watching as the likes on my recent post on instagram went up. A message from Henry popped up asking me to see him after school tomorrow. Nolan is going to be home tomorrow and I miss him. Why is everything so complicated?

I bit into my toast and chewed looking at my phone. I browsed​ for a new screen wallpaper when a notification pops up. I opened​ it and shock reverberated through me. My breakfast became lead in my stomach and my hands shook.

A picture of Nolan and Aubrey kissing in public.

I shouldn't be hurt by this. I have Henry and Nolan has Aubrey. That's how it should be. But why does my chest hurt? Why do my eyes burn?

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince has entered the palace grounds." A maid announced.

The chair screeched and fall to the ground as I jerked up. The maid reared back shocked by my reaction.

"No. No, I can't see him." I mumbled. I grab my school bag and hurry for the front door. Nolan alighted the limousine and gave me a wide smile.

I shake my head, feeling betrayed and confused at myself. He spread out his arms waiting for a hug.

"Anna."

Tears threaten to flow as I stared​ at him. Something broke in me. My limo was waiting for me. I didn't spare Nolan a glance as I entered it and was driven away from there.

When I arrived school, the paparazzi was waiting, throwing questions at me. Brie held my arm giving me a comforting smile. We walked into Aubrey. She had a huge grin on her face as if she had won a lottery. Several of our schoolmates watched on, recording with their phones expecting a cat fight. Some even called her names. Her smile fell and she glared at me.