Page 198 of Seeds of Malice

I should be elated.

I'm not even close to being happy. This situation isn't like anything I've created before.

I no longer want the ending I planned. Yet I'm unsure how to stop the others from scoring the winning points.

31

Ivy

One Week Later

An estate employee hands me a bouquet of roses.

Dax is spoiling me again.

I deeply inhale the floral scent and set the vase on the table. I pick up the envelope and pull the card out.

Ivy,

We're sooooo excited to welcome you into Gamma Sigma Phi! Put on your best outfit. Avery will pick you up for the brunch induction ceremony in thirty minutes.

XOXO,

Your Sisters for Life

Excitement fills me. I pick up my phone and text Dax.

Me: The Gammas sent me roses! They told me to wear my best outfit for the brunch induction ceremony. What should I put on?

Several minutes pass, and the hairs on my neck rise. Things have felt off all week with Dax. He's as attentive as ever, if not more, but every time I mention Gamma Sigma Phi, he seems to not like it.

Guilt continues to eat at me about what I did that night. My conscience says I shouldn't have done what I did. I worry it's created a wedge between Dax and me, even if he's not admitting it. Yet every time I say something to him, he assures me it hasn't.

Me: Are you there?

Dax: Wear your pink dress. Everyone will be in Gamma colors.

Me: Duh! I should have known.

Dax: I miss you.

I smile. I left his bed only an hour ago.

Me: I miss you too.

Dax: I'll pick you up soon.

Me: The note said Avery is taking me.

Dax: I'll tell her I am.

Me: I don't want to disobey the Gammas before I even get in.

More minutes pass.

Me: Please don't be mad.

Dax: Fine. I'll see you over at the house.

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