Tick.
This was not happening.
Tick.
You are going to be in such big trouble, Ari. Everyone will blame you again for ruining everything. Your mother especially will kill you.
Tick.
The peace that you have hoped for will splinter and crack.
Tick.
Because it had always been you who was at fault.
After Ariel's departure, the entire table turned silent. No one said a word, causing Ariana to close her eyes as she clenched her fingers and lowered her head.
Of course, the situation turned into a mess because that was what happened every time she was involved in a situation. She, herself, was such a mess so what else could Ariana even expect?
She felt a rush of heat to her head and stood up from the chair on which she was sitting. Ariana said to the rest of the people sitting at the table, "I need to go to the restroom, excuse me."
