Chapter four

There was a party held for freshers, and honestly, this is the most excited I’d been in a long time here. Even though I never really felt welcomed. I loved a lively place and I wouldn't be absent myself. 

Noise, lights, people dancing off-beat — yes, count me in. 

The room was empty when I was getting dressed. Sebastian was nowhere in sight — probably off with his noisy friends, or with some girl stuck to his lips, or maybe on the other side of the world for all I cared. No, scratch that, I barely gave a damn.

Tonight was for me. Just me. I'll prove it to them.

I had ordered the gown from Temu, and for once in my life, an online order came out exactly like the picture. It fit my body so perfectly I swear the designer must have known my measurements from the womb. I didn’t even need to adjust anything; it hugged my waist and sat on me like it was made just because I existed, and that’s exactly the kind of love I needed.

My hair? Inspired by the Kardashians. Yes, the Kardashians. And the moment I looked in the mirror, I swear I lit up like a Christmas tree because damn — I pulled it off. The way the edges laid, the smooth shine, the curls at the end? I actually grinned at myself like I was meeting a celebrity. “They would be proud of me,” I whispered to the mirror, and I meant it.

The makeup was from James Charles’ style — yes, judge me if you want — but it was giving exactly what needed to be given. “Clock that sh*t!”

The contour was contouring, the lashes were lifting my entire life, and the lip gloss? Please. I could blind someone with how glossy it was.

My heels were expensive, painful too, and I had already accepted the fact that I’d have to work my butt off during summer break to earn back the stupid amount I paid for them. If my mom saw the receipt, she’d bury me and resurrect me just to bury me again. But tonight, I shoved that guilt somewhere under the bed.

Before leaving, I sprayed Victoria’s perfume, and also in the air so I could walk through it dramatically. When the scent wrapped around me, I smiled at my reflection like a proud queen that I am.

If I wasn’t me, I would absolutely eat me. Like, seriously, I looked delicious. Gorgeous. A man in heels, a gown, and confidence. Oh, I was unstoppable.

When I finally stepped into the hall premises, I paused for a moment. The place was everything I imagined. Bright, colorful lights danced across the ceilings and walls, hitting me in different shades like I was a bride walking into her wedding reception. The decor was heavenly, peaceful and glowing — but still had that loud party vibe. I don’t even know how to explain it properly, but it filled me with this warm excitement that rushed through my entire body. I almost giggled.

And then I walked fully inside.

Every head turned.

Necks cracked.

People paused mid-step.

I swear the air shifted. I could feel their breath hitch, and suddenly the room got quiet — not silent, but that type of hush that means every single person is staring. Even the girls were looking at me like I was an angel descending.

 Whispers rose instantly, like tiny firecrackers popping around the hall. I knew right away I’d just given them something to talk about for the next ten years. It was obvious I had outshined them, and I didn’t even try. I was just being myself, wearing heels and confidence.

My eyes scanned the hall in search of one person — Sebastian. He was the only familiar, a very little bit of the only person I was closer to in this entire school… even if he hated me, even if he barely spoke to me.

But he was still… Sebastian.

I didn’t see him anywhere. So I assumed he was with Layla, or some other girl hanging from his neck like jewelry.

Whatever. Tonight was about me.

I danced alone, and wasn't surprised. Honestly, it felt good. That had never stopped me before. The music thumped through my chest, lights flashing across my skin, and I could practically feel eyes on me.

Dem girls’ men were staring hard.

I chuckled and I shook my head slowly.

Then, out of nowhere, the thought of Sebastian looking at me the other day slid into my mind—sharp and unwanted.

Sebastian? Staring at me?

I almost laughed. No way. That guy would rather set himself on fire. I probably must have been mistaken.

My phone buzzed. Mom. Of course. And my battery was dying.

“Perfect!” 

I sighed and slipped out of the crowd, pushing through sweaty bodies and drifting couples.

The hallway was worse than the dance floor. I swear half the school had picked it as their make-out spot.

I opened one door—a couple kissing.

Second door—another couple glued together.

By the time I reached the third door, I was already praying not to see more tongue action.

But the second I pushed the door open, my whole world tripped.

Sebastian.

Sebastian Cross was pressed against the wall… with a guy.

Making out.

My jaw dropped so fast that my chin hurt. My eyes went wide, heat rushing to my face. I couldn’t even breathe.

Sebastian’s head snapped toward me.

Our eyes locked.Sharp.Dangerous.Wild.

He jerked away from the guy like he’d been burned. I stood there frozen, stomach flipping, brain trying to understand what the hell I just saw.

My vision swayed for a second. That was how shocked I was—I actually got dizzy.

Then Sebastian lunged.

His hand clamped around my neck, pushing me back against the wall. His face was inches from mine, breath hot, eyes dark and furious—more furious than I had ever seen.

“If you tell anyone…” he growled, voice low enough to shake through me, “I swear, you won’t survive what comes next.”