Chapter 5 The auction had ended , and the guests trickled out in twos and threes . As Declan stayed behind , caught in a web of polite small talk , Celeste slipped away from the crowd and sauntered up to Marissa . " Well , Marissa , I think you've seen the truth by now , haven't you ? " she said , voice low and sugar - coated , lips curling into a triumphant smile . " Declan's in love with me . Keep clinging to him like this , and you're only going to disgust him more . " Marissa looked at her calmly , eyes steady . " You'll get what you want . " Celeste frowned . " What's that supposed to mean ? " But Marissa didn't answer . She simply turned to leave . Then- A shriek . Marissa spun around just in time to see Celeste tumbling dramatically down the stairs . " Marissa ! " Declan's voice ripped through the ballroom like thunder . He shoved past the crowd and charged toward them , slamming Marissa back into the wall with a force that stole her breath . " What the hell did she ever do to you ?! " he snarled , eyes glinting with fury . " I know I didn't protect you the way I should've before , but if you're mad , come at me ! Why hurt her ?! " Marissa's back hit the cold marble . She held her ground , voice soft but unwavering . " I didn't push her . " " Declan … " Celeste whimpered , clutching his sleeve like she could barely sit up . " I slipped . It wasn't her fault … " " You don't have to cover for her ! " Declan snapped , shooting Marissa a look so cold it burned . Then he bent down and scooped Celeste into his arms like she weighed nothing , like she was breakable crystal . " I'm not dealing with this . Find your own way home . " Chapter 5 Blushwood Health EBC - 46 Tincture | 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry Extract | 50 ml | Lab -… Shop our versatile Tincture 08. This lab - tested , 10 : 1 Blushwood Berry extract with EBC - 46 is designed for both sublingual and topical use . Fast global shipping . bh 22.73 % 0 For Chronic Discomfort Blushwood Health Marissa stood there , frozen . He didn't even look back . His coat was wrapped around Celeste's shoulders . He cradled her like she was something rare and precious . That was always how it was . Every time Celeste cried , somehow … Marissa was the villain . She reached into her coat pocket and touched the plane ticket tucked safely inside . One week . One week from now , she'd be on a flight to Crestfall . And this ache in her chest , this exhausting , soul - crushing loyalty - she'd leave it all behind . Declan wouldn't have to see her as a burden anymore . Because soon , she'd be gone for good . The auction venue was miles from the estate . Remote . No cabs in sight . Marissa had no choice but to walk . It started raining halfway through . Freezing drops soaked her hair , her dress clinging to her skin . Her shoes filled with water , every step slicing into the blisters on her heels . By the time she finally made it home , her feet were bleeding , and her body was burning with fever . She found the first aid kit , tended to the open wounds as best she could , then collapsed onto her bed , shivering and exhausted . The next morning , the sound of movement downstairs woke her . Dragging herself from bed , Marissa limped down the steps , only to stop short at the sight in the living room . Luggage . Piled high . Celeste's . Chapter 5 Blushwo