Chapter 9 " She's gone ? Gone where ? " Tristan's face froze mid - panic . The others all looked just as stunned . None of them had ever considered that Marissa might actually leave . Over the years , they'd watched Declan crash and burn after that accident , seen people cycle in and out of his life . Hell , even they - his closest friends - hadn't always had the guts to stick around during his darkest days . Only Marissa had stayed . She'd come into his life when he had nothing left , stood by him with unshakable patience and grace . No matter how ugly things got , no matter how he lashed out , she never once talked about leaving . So why now ? Before anyone could say more , Declan's phone rang again . Instinctively , he snatched it up . " Marissa ? Where are- But before he could finish , a different voice came through . " Declan , I twisted my ankle . Can you take me to the hospital ? " It was Celeste . Any other day , Declan would've gone without hesitation . But something about Marissa vanishing had him completely off balance , and without thinking , the answer came out harsher than intended . " I can't . I've got something going on . Call someone else ! " Even his friends glanced at him in surprise . But honestly , they were glad to hear him finally shut the door on Celeste . Celeste hadn't expected such a cold rejection . She bit her lip , the smile on her face stiff and cracking , though she still tried to sound gentle and understanding , her voice laced with disappointment . " Oh … I see . Did something happen with Marissa ? Is that why you left the party so suddenly ? " Only then did Declan remember he might've shoved something over in his rush to leave . He paused , then sighed . Chapter 9 36.36 % " Wait there . I'm coming . " He hung up and turned to head back toward the ballroom , leaving his friends exchanging looks again . - At the Hospital " It's just a minor sprain . Some ointment and a few days of rest , and she'll be fine . " The doctor handed the report to Declan . Knowing she wasn't seriously hurt , he finally felt a bit of relief . He was just about to help Celeste back home when he caught a glimpse of someone familiar out of the corner of his eye . " Marissa ? " His entire expression shifted . Ignoring Celeste entirely , he rushed forward and grabbed the woman's arm . His grip tightened instinctively - almost desperate - like he feared she'd vanish again . But when she turned around , he realized immediately : it wasn't her . The stranger yanked her arm back with a wince . " Dude , what the hell ?! " " Sorry , " Declan murmured , backing off . " I thought you were someone else . " He stood there as she walked away , a hollow ache blooming in his chest . It wasn't her . So she really did leave . " What's wrong ? " Celeste hobbled over , forcing a smile as she glanced at his expression . He was still staring off at the end of the hallway . He shook his head wordlessly and helped her toward the recovery room . After settling her in , he stepped back out and pulled out his phone . " Find out where Marissa went , " he told his assistant . Chapter 9 36.36 % That night , Declan returned to his parents ' house at his mother's request . He was still trying to figure out how to explain Marissa's disappearance when his mother greeted him at the door , seemingly unfazed by the fact that he'd come home alone . " You're just in time , " she said with a cheerful smile , pulling him inside . " Mrs. Hargrove just finished cooking . She made all your favorites for your birthday - come on , have a taste . " He was ushered to the dining table , where he immediately noticed someone unfamiliar sitting across from him . Something about her presence sent a strange twinge through him . He turned to his mother and asked carefully , " Who's this ? " " That's Genevieve Langford , Uncle Sean's daughter , " his mother explained warmly . " And Celeste , this is my son - Declan Hawthorne . Just call him Declan . "