Chapter 24

Isaiah stood motionless, and he reached out to grab Esme's hand again. She immediately pushed his hand away and turned to help her friends take the intoxicated man to the hospital. One of her friends stepped forward and politely declined her offer. "This dinner was supposed to be a farewell for you," they said. "We already feel guilty that it turned into this mess. How can we trouble you any further?" Pushing her gently, the friend urged her to head home and continue packing her bags. Seeing no way to insist, Esme turned and walked toward the exit. "Essie!" Isaiah, who had been silently watching, panicked upon hearing her friends mention her packing. He grabbed her hand tightly. "Essie, where are you going? Why are you packing your bags again?" His forehead wound that was freshly treated left an ugly scar beneath his panicked eyes. The sight of him—desperate and pitiful—was almost laughable. Esme didn't answer and only tried to pull her hand free. But she couldn't break free no