Chapter V – Admission Tickets
Publication: 08/04/2026
‘Why did they even invite me?’ she blurted out at last. ‘I’m not on the list of names. I don’t play rugby. I don’t organise balls.’
She regretted asking the moment the words left her mouth, but William was standing in front of her; a year ago they would have torn the whole thing to pieces without hesitation.
‘Maybe that’s exactly why,’ he said, shrugging. ‘The system likes to have someone who looks like a counterweight. It’s easier to breathe when you can say, “look, we’ve got a scholarship girl as well, everything’s fair”.’
‘So I’m the alibi,’ she said.
Will gave a short snort, as if he meant to disagree, but instead he stepped closer. Something at her collar was sticking up after the long evening; without thinking, he reached out and straightened her slightly crooked tie.
‘Maybe,’ he admitted only then, not pulling his hand away straightaway. ‘Or maybe…’ He broke off for a moment, as if only now looking for the word. ‘Or maybe someone decided it’s better to have you inside than standing at the door.’
‘It’s definitely better not to have me at all,’ she muttered, her lips tightening.
‘Sorry,’ Will said gently, a glint of amusement in his eye. ‘Ravenswood has a strict no‑returns policy.’
