Nadine stared at her reflection in the gilded mirror of her dorm room, her hands trembling as she adjusted the sparkling gold necklace around her neck. The ball gown she wore—a deep shade bright red with intricate floral embroidery—flowed down to her feet, hugging her figure perfectly. Despite the stunning transformation, anxiety clung to her chest like a heavy weight.
Jeremy knew her secret. It wasn't just a passing suspicion anymore; he had outright hinted at it during their last conversation, his words wrapped in a casual tone that belied their sharpness. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. What if he exposed her tonight?
Luna, who had been observing her with furrowed brows, finally broke the silence. "Nadine, you've been acting so strange lately. And don't think I haven't noticed Jeremy acting weird too. Is there something going on between you two?"
Nadine's breath hitched as she tried to compose herself. "No," she replied quickly, too quickly. "Nothing's going on. Why would you think that?"
Luna's frown deepened. "Because you're my best friend, and I can tell when something's bothering you. First Jeremy avoids everyone, and now you're avoiding me. We're supposed to have each other's backs, but you're both acting like strangers."
Nadine's throat tightened as guilt settled in. Luna had no idea what was really going on, no idea that her very presence at Ivory High was built on a lie. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words stuck.
Before Luna could press further, Jimmy burst into the room, his face lighting up when he saw Nadine. "Whoa! You look amazing!"
Nadine forced a smile, her heart racing as she waited for the other shoe to drop. Jimmy was the only person who knew her secret, and the idea that he might have let it slip to Luna terrified her, and why the hell was Jimmy smiling after tell him those things, has he forgotten? Nadine was confused.
But when Luna turned to Jimmy, her expression still laced with concern, it was clear that he hadn't said a word. Nadine exhaled a shaky breath, relief washing over her, maybe only for this moment.
After a moment, she straightened her shoulders and forced a smile. "You know what? It's Founder's Day. I'm not going to let anything ruin tonight."
She ignored Luna's worried gaze and turned toward the door. "I'll see you at the party."
---
Descending the staircase to the grand hall was like stepping into a dream. The chandelier overhead cast a golden glow across the room, and the soft hum of classical music filled the air. Nadine was determined to blend in, to act as though she wasn't harboring a secret that could unravel her entire world.
But as she reached the midway point of the stairs, her heel caught on the hem of her gown. Her balance wavered, and before she could grab the railing, she fell forward with a gasp.
Strong arms caught her mid-fall, and she found herself pressed against Jeremy's chest. How the hell did he arrive here so fast? His amber eyes locked onto hers, a mix of concern and amusement dancing in their depths.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice soft.
"Yeah," she murmured, her cheeks burning.
But before she could pull away, he stumbled, and they both went tumbling to the floor in an ungraceful heap. Laughter bubbled from her lips despite herself, and when she looked up, she realized just how close they were.
Jeremy's face was inches from hers, his breath warm against her cheek. Time seemed to slow as his gaze flicked to her lips. Without thinking, she leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft, unexpected kiss.
The world around them seemed to fade, but the moment shattered when a figure appeared in the corner of her vision. Zeke stood at the edge of the staircase, his expression unreadable as he watched them.
---
While Nadine tried to recover her composure, Zeke slipped away to the bar, his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the room. Nina, always one to seize an opportunity, saw her chance.
Zeke was the epitome of effortless charm, his silver-gray eyes scanning the crowd with disinterest as he ordered a drink. Nina approached him with a confident smile, her figure-hugging dress drawing attention as she leaned against the counter.
"Care to dance?" she asked, her tone sweet but teasing.
Zeke smirked, his gaze flicking to her. "Why not?"
The music swelled as they moved to the stage, their movements fluid and synchronized. Nadine, still shaken from her kiss with Jeremy, watched in disbelief as Zeke twirled Nina with ease. Jeremy leaned closer to her, his lips brushing her ear.
"Game on," he whispered, his tone laced with challenge.
Before she could respond, the blue spotlight shifted to the staircase, drawing everyone's attention.
---
Rose descended the staircase like a storm, her red dress clinging to her curves with unapologetic boldness. The gown barely grazed her mid-thigh, its shimmering fabric catching the light with every step. Her stiletto heels were impossibly high, her every movement daring gravity to betray her.
Behind her, Emily followed in a backless gown that shimmered like liquid fire. The slit along her leg revealed just enough to draw eyes without crossing into scandalous territory. Slyvia was the perfect counterbalance to their boldness, her gown elegant and understated—a floor-length piece adorned with intricate lace and subtle sequins.
The trio radiated power as they entered the room, drawing stares and whispers. Simon and Harlan, who had been deep in conversation near the bar, froze as their gazes locked onto the girls.
Harlan's eyes lingered on Emily for a moment too long before shifting to Slyvia. A smirk played on his lips, and Emily's chest tightened. She felt a pang of something—jealousy? Hurt? She couldn't quite place it.
Slyvia, ever the enigma, met his gaze briefly before turning away, her expression unreadable. Harlan's smirk widened.
"Playing hard to get?" he murmured under his breath.
Meanwhile, Rose made her way to the bar, her confidence unshaken. Simon approached her, his hand brushing against her waist as they spoke in hushed tones.
"You're stealing the show tonight," he said, his voice smooth.
Rose tilted her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Isn't that the point?"
But their flirtation was cut short by the arrival of Ava Gonzalez. The queen bee stood at the top of the stairs, flanked by her loyal followers, Vesper and Ophelia. Her gown flowed around her like molten gold, and her expression was one of thinly veiled fury as her eyes locked onto Simon's hand on Rose's waist.
In an instant, she was across the room, her palm connecting with Rose's cheek in a resounding slap.
"You think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine?" Ava hissed.
The room fell silent, all eyes on the two girls.
---
As the tension escalated, Nadine found herself seated at the edge of the room, her mind spinning with Jeremy's cryptic whisper. What did he mean by "game on"? And the thought that he kissed her wandered, was Jeremy gay? why kissing her after finding out he was a guy, was it all his plan? Goodness she was doomed, she hated this feeling looking so anxious all the time and why the hell did she lean on to kiss Jimmy has she lost her mind finally? Her eyes wandered to Zeke, who was still dancing with Nina.
Zeke's gray eyes glinted under the lights as he moved with effortless grace, his focus seemingly on Nina. Yet, Nadine couldn't shake the feeling that he was aware of her every move.
Before she could dwell on it, a shadow loomed over her. She looked up to see Rowan, a mysterious figure who had been lingering at the edge of the party.
"Care to dance?" he asked, his voice smooth as velvet.
Before she could refuse, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. Their movements were slow and deliberate, the rhythm of the music guiding them.
But Jeremy, ever watchful, spotted them from across the room. His eyes narrowed as he noticed a bartender handing Rowan a drink. Suspicion prickled at his mind when he saw Rowan offer the drink to Nadine.
She reached for the glass, but Jeremy was there in an instant, his hand closing over hers.
"I think you should drink it, Rowan," Jeremy said, his tone calm but firm. "Let's make sure it's safe."
The tension in the room shifted, and Rowan's smile faltered ever so slightly.
---
Back at the bar, Rose stood motionless, her cheek stinging from Ava's slap. Before she could respond, Vesper appeared with a bucket of red paint, upending it over Rose's head. Gasps erupted from the crowd as the paint dripped down her dress, her hair, her skin.
Simon stepped forward, his hands raised in defense. "Ava, stop! This isn't what it looks like!"
But Ava was unmoved. "She drugged you, Simon. Don't even try to defend her."
Rose clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she turned to Simon. "Well?" she demanded, her voice shaking with rage and anger.
Simon hesitated, his gaze darting between Rose and Ava. "I… I had no idea what I was doing," he stammered. "Ava, you know I love you."
But his words did little to douse the flames of chaos that had erupted.