Amara's POV :
The sunlight hit my face, making me squint as I began to stir. I let out a tired yawn and sat up, running a lazy hand through my messy hair. My glasses were on the nightstand, so I grabbed them and shoved them onto my face. The clock read almost nine.
Almost nine?!
Wait—was I literally sleeping this late?!
Like Literally?!
And the worst part? I hadn't even finished my homework. Great. New record unlocked: "Academic suicide."
Dragging myself out of bed, I brushed my teeth and took a long, warm bath, trying to wash my sleep (and stress) off me. Once I felt somewhat alive, I padded downstairs to greet Mum, Liam, and Luna. Dad was probably already at work—he always left early.
Mum looked up at me from the dining table with her usual soft smile. "Good morning, sweetpea." She pulled me down, kissing both my cheeks like I was five. "How was your sleep?"
I sighed, a small smile tugging my lips. "Morning, Mum. It was great. What's for breakfast?" I asked, plopping myself into my seat.
"We didn't wait for you," she chuckled, "you were sleeping so peacefully... I didn't want to wake you up. The cook made pancakes, though."
"Really?!" My grin stretched ear to ear. Immediately, the maids set the table—glass, fork, spoon, and then, my plate stacked with golden pancakes.
Heaven.
I didn't waste a second. I devoured them like a wild raccoon, only to realize halfway through that Liam and Luna were staring at me like I'd grown three heads.
"What?!" I mumbled through a mouthful. They exchanged looks, half-terrified, half-amused.
After finishing, I wiped my mouth and leaned back. "Okay, what's going on?"
Luna smirked and elbowed Liam, who was red as a tomato, "Ate, guess what!" she teased. Liam glared at her, pleading with his eyes, but she ignored him. "Keira gave Liam a rose."
My eyes shot wide.
Excuse me—WHAT?!
And her brother gave me his jacket—
Nope. Nope. Nope.
Mara—
He didn't 'give' it. He just lent it to save your ass!
I forced a laugh. "Uh...th-that's nice...I mean, she is your crush... so you are lucky." Liam groaned and dropped his gaze to the table, wishing the ground would swallow him.
I turned back to Mum to change the subject. "Mum—"
But she cut me off with that look. "Listen first. What are you planning to wear tonight?"
I blinked. "My oversized shirt and—"
She pressed a finger to my lips dramatically. "Shh. No oversized clothes tonight. You have to wear a proper dress. Something that fits you."
My eyes nearly popped out. "No, Mum! I won't wear a dress!"
Mum lightly smacked my arm, while my siblings giggled like hyenas. "No excuses. You are the daughter of Actress Selene Velasco, remember? You can't look like a hermit at a party."
Ugh. The pressure of being her daughter.
I groaned, slumping back in my chair. "Fine. But you don't have to come with me, okay? I don't want paparazzi chasing us. I'll buy something on my own."
Mum squinted at me. "And how do I know you won't pick the most boring dress in the store?"
Shit.
She got me there.
I thought fast. "I'll send you a picture before buying it."
Her expression screamed, 'I should say no', but after what felt like an eternity, she sighed in defeat. "Fine. But I'll approve the picture first."
Victory. My grin was so wide my cheeks hurt as I bolted upstairs.
I changed into my comfort armor: a Luffy oversized T-shirt, baggy jeans, and sneakers. Tied my hair into a low ponytail, dabbed sunscreen, glasses back on. Phone in hand—glitter-butterfly case shining—and I was ready.
Downstairs, Mum handed me a sleek black card. "Go, Love. I'll just call-"
"No," I interrupted firmly, "Mum, I wanna go by bus today. Please, I want to experience it."
She sighed. "Do you even have cash for the ride?"
I proudly pulled some crumpled bills from my pocket. She smiled faintly, kissing my head "Good. Be safe, sweetie. And buy something beautiful."
FAST FORWARD: I was at the bus stop, then on a nearly empty bus, sitting by the window, enjoying the blur of streets, buildings, and people. Something about the simplicity felt nice. Free.
After what felt like forever, I arrived at CitySphere—a literal palace disguised as a mall. The glass walls gleamed like diamonds, stretching high into the sky. A huge fountain decorated the front yard, splashing rainbows with every drop. Inside, it was chaos but...luxury chaos. Chandeliers hanging, designer stores lined like jewelry boxes, people dressed like they walked out of magazines.
I went straight to Dior on the fourth floor.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. How may I help you?" the shopkeeper asked warmly.
"I'm looking for something modest. Non-revealing," I said.
She nodded, leading me to racks of the most gorgeous dresses I'd ever seen. I swear my jaw dropped. After thirty minutes of indecision (how do people even choose?!), I finally settled on a baby-pink, knee-length, long-sleeved dress with a soft V-neck. Simple, but beautiful.
I lifted my phone to take a picture—when suddenly, a large hand grabbed my smaller one and set the dress back. Another hand snatched my phone.
"What the—" I looked up and froze.
LUKAS.
Of course.
"Why are you here?! Were you following me?!" I lunged for my phone, but he held it high, that stupid grin plastered across his face.
"Geez, Nerd, calm down. I wasn't following you. I came to buy shoes." He lifted a bag in his other hand. "Didn't expect you in Dior, though. And without your braid and baggy uniform? Damn, first time I've seen you this... feisty."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just gimme my phone back. I need to send my mum a pic of the dress."
Too late. He was already snapping a photo—but not of my pink dress. Nope. He sent a pic of a short, black, glittery, bodycon, backless, low-cut, off-shoulder dress. Literal opposite of what I wanted.
My jaw dropped. "What—"
And then—ding. Mum's reply.
"Looks like Mrs. Velasco is happy with my choice." Lukas handed me my phone back, and I stared at the screen.
"Nice choice, love😘 Now it seems like you're really MY daughter."
My soul left my body.
Lukas's grin? WIDER THAN EVER.
I death-glared HIM, who just shrugged innocently, like oops.
"Pack it." I muttered to the shopkeeper, who looked thrilled.
"Aren't you gonna try it, Nerd?" Lukas whispered, and I death-glared him again before walking towards the front desk, Lukie following me like a pup—Except, pups are innocent.
As I paid with Mum's black card, Lukie's eyes widened. "Damn, nerd. Didn't know you were loaded."
I ignored him, clutching the Dior bag like my dignity.
I smiled at the shopkeeper and left the store, with Lukas still behind me. And of course—
I ignored him.
He looked at me in annoyance. "The second floor has restaurants. Let's eat our lunch there. And if you don't, I'm not saving you from the stares at the party."
I turned to him, scandalized. "YOU are the reason I'll get stares!"
But... fine. He wasn't wrong. He could help me survive this circus.
I mean—I DON'T TRUST HIM.
NO.
JUST NO.
But I think...I can trust him in this situation. Not like he's doing it for free.
So I nodded reluctantly, "Alright. But remember our deal."
He smirked, placing a casual hand on my hip. My face went red instantly. He is a professional at these. I swear. He didn't even notice—acting like it was the most normal thing in the world—as he steered me towards the elevator.
And for the first time—
I felt... protected.
Like not even the universe could touch me.