It was a quiet Saturday afternoon, and Amelia—Lia, as her friends called her—was sprawled across the couch, nursing a cup of instant coffee.
The sound of Beth tapping her fingers against the kitchen counter was annoying .
"Lia!" Beth suddenly called, almost yelling.
"You will not believe what Kale said to me!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Kale? That annoying footballer in school that thinks he owns the universe?"
Beth grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yes, that Kale. He's inviting us to a get-together party tonight. He said it's exclusive, top-tier, VIP everything!"
My stomach sank. "Beth… you know I don't do flashy. Or loud. Or… rich-people-intimidation."
Beth rolled her eyes, dragging me along by the arm. "Oh, come on! Just for one night. Who knows? It could be fun."
I frowned. "Fun for you maybe. For me, it's probably expensive cocktails, gold-plated chairs, and people judging my sneakers."
Beth laughed. "Exactly why I need you by my side. Someone normal to balance out the chaos."
We got in a taxi, and I couldn't help but glance at my reflection in the window. My outfit was simple, neat, nothing flashy, just in case I didn't survive the evening alive.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I stopped dead. The doors were tall, golden, and intimidating, guarded by valet attendants in crisp uniforms. The red carpet stretched from the entrance into the building, glittering under the sunlight.
"Oh… wow," I whispered, my fingers gripping Beth's arm.
"Relax," she said, her eyes dancing. "We've got this. Just smile and don't faint."
I gave her my best smile, though inside I was screaming. Wealth, glamour, and fake smiles—I did not belong here.
Kale spotted us almost instantly. He jogged over, his crisp blazer perfectly tailored, hair slicked back, and a grin that looked far too confident.
"Well, well, well… look who finally decided to show up," he said, voice teasing, looking straight at me.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, I live for expensive get-togethers with strangers."
Beth chuckled nervously, but Kale's grin widened, clearly enjoying the banter. He handed us menus, trying to charm us into sitting in the golden VIP room.
As I looked around, the overwhelming luxury made my chest tighten. The marble floors, chandeliers, and golden accents screamed money. My fingers fidgeted nervously with the edge of my sleeve.
Beth leaned closer. "See? Nothing to be afraid of. Just… don't let him charm you."
I glared at her. "Trust me, I'm immune to his attempts. Besides, I already dislike him."
Beth rolled her eyes, dragging me further inside. "Just wait. You might change your mind."
I didn't. Not tonight. But little did I know, tonight was about to change everything.