Emily's PoV:

My phone had been blowing up nonstop, flooded with comments, tags, and messages. Most were about my "fake" boyfriend, Aiden—his posts, our supposed relationship, and random observations about my clothes, hobbies, or even my smile.

It was official: the school had gone absolutely mad.

Aiden's Instagram post had ignited the chaos, spreading like wildfire across our peers. Suddenly, I was the topic of every conversation. But it wasn't for anything I'd done. Not for my grades, my passions, or some hidden talent. No, my newfound "fame" was purely by association—like those nepo babies people loved to hate.

And as if that wasn't enough, Aiden's Instagram stories only added fuel to the fire. Weekly "dates," carefully curated pictures, and captions that screamed relationship goals. If I didn't know the truth, I'd think it was sweet. But I did. This wasn't about me. It was about Regina Adams, and making sure she stayed out of Aiden's spotlight.

If I wasn't his "girlfriend," I might even have called his efforts romantic. But knowing it was all for viral hashtags and calculated jealousy, the charm fell flat.

Aiden was fun to be around—sometimes too fun. But ever since that night at the chalet, where we slept (and only slept, thank you), things had been... different. Tense. Confusing.

I hated him—or at least, I wanted to. But the part of me that had once had a crush on him refused to die quietly. That part kept whispering that maybe—just maybe—there was something real beneath all this.

Ridiculous. Out of the question.

Yet here I was, getting ready for prom at Nate's house.

Amy was flitting around, obsessed with finding out who her mystery prom date was. Selena was trying not to combust over Cameron, who made her panic every time he so much as blinked in her direction. Nate and Eleonora, the ultimate power duo, were perfectly in sync, color-coordinated, and effortlessly perfect.

And me?

I was about to go to prom with my fake ex-boyfriend to make his real ex-girlfriend jealous. Just another day in the life of Emily.

"We should add more glitter!" Amy declared, grabbing her palette and dusting her eyelids with white shimmer.

Everyone was dressed to match their partners. Amy's bold red dress mirrored the mysterious instructions she'd received. Selena's flowing green gown was stunning. Nate and Eleonora were a vision in dark pink, the epitome of sophistication. And me? I was in a deep blue dress, simple yet elegant, trying not to lose my mind.

"So, are you excited?" Nate teased, his tone light but curious. "Prom queen wasn't exactly on your bingo card, huh?"

"I'm more nervous than excited," I admitted honestly, fiddling with a stray thread on my dress.

"Relax," Eleonora said with a comforting smile as she handed me a tube of Clinique Black Honey lipstick. "This will be perfect for you."

"Thanks," I murmured, carefully applying the lipstick.

"Oh! Cameron just texted," Selena announced suddenly, her voice buzzing with excitement. "They're downstairs."

"They are?" Amy exclaimed, dashing to the window. "Perfect! Let's go!"

We grabbed our coats, bags, and last-minute accessories before heading downstairs. Waiting for us was a pristine white limousine, shining like something out of a movie.

"Look at this! You're on time for once," Luke said with a smirk, holding the door open for us. Cameron and Jaden waved cheerfully from the panoramic sunroof, already making a scene.

"Sometimes I forget how rich Mason is," Amy muttered, staring in awe at the limo.

"Get used to it," Luke quipped. "Now get in."

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Jaden handed out glasses of champagne while Cameron cracked jokes. Luke joined the fun, while Mason sat quietly, lost in thought, his black suit accentuating his brooding demeanor, he was just staring, I was trying to accompany his eyes and figure out what he was so focused on but before I could, I felt Aiden's eyes on me.

I couldn't help but glance back at him, wondering what was on his mind.

I turned to find him staring, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. My chest tightened, and I gave him a shy, awkward smile in return.

This wasn't just prom. Tonight was a test—a culmination of all our fake-dating efforts. Either Regina Adams would fade into history, or her name would be etched alongside Aiden's forever.

As I wrestled with my thoughts, I caught Aiden's smile again. It sent a flicker of warmth through me, confusing and unwelcome. Shaking my head, I pushed the feeling aside. I needed to stay focused. Aiden might be charming, but he was also frustratingly clueless about love. His infatuation with Regina proved that.

When we arrived at the venue, the limo doors opened one by one. Everyone filed out, laughing and excited. Alyssa lingered for a moment, catching my eye.

"Do you need anything?" she asked, her tone gentle.

"I'm fine," I said quickly.

"Are you sure?" she pressed, her concern evident.

"I just need a minute," I replied, and she nodded, stepping out with Nate.

Finally, it was just me and Aiden. He looked at me for a moment, then extended his hand.

"It's going to be fine," he said softly, his smile reassuring.

"I hope so," I mumbled under my breath.

"It will," he insisted, his voice steady. "Because I'll be right next to you."

Something in his tone made my chest tighten. Before I knew it, I'd taken his hand.

His grip was warm and steady as he helped me out of the car, and for a brief moment, everything felt... okay

The rest of the group had already started heading inside, their excitement palpable. Aiden held my hand as we followed, his touch steady but light. I took deep breaths with every step, trying to calm the storm raging inside me.

"Let's just have fun," he said softly, his voice almost soothing. He turned to me with a gentle smile. "Okay?"

I barely managed to nod. Meeting his eyes felt dangerous—like staring into something that might unravel everything I was trying to hold together. His hand in mine was already enough to throw my heart into chaos, even as my brain kept repeating: He's just a pretty face. That's it. Nothing more.

The moment we stepped inside, my breath caught. The venue was stunning. Glittering lights danced across the room, reflecting off silver and blue decorations. A massive moon hung from the ceiling, glowing softly above a stage adorned to look like the night sky. The theme was space, and somehow, it matched my dark blue dress and Aiden's sleek suit perfectly.

The guys split off to grab drinks—punch, mostly—while the rest of us found a round table near the edge of the room. Aiden let go of my hand as we sat down, leaning close to ask, "Do you want anything to drink?"

I shook my head. "No, thanks."

"Alright, I'll be right back." His voice was casual, but his tone had a warmth that made me pause. Was that... sweet? No. Definitely not. I pushed the thought aside as he walked away.

"This looks insane," Nate said, craning his neck to take in the glowing moon above us.

"They really went all out with the theme," Alyssa added, her voice tinged with admiration.

"Theme or not," Amy interjected, practically bouncing in her seat, "I need to find my man!"

"How are you even going to find him?" Selena asked, voicing the question we were all wondering.

Amy beamed, her excitement spilling over. "He sent me a letter. He told me the exact time and place where he'd meet me tonight."

Alyssa frowned, clearly skeptical. "Maybe one of us should go with you. Just in case."

Amy waved off the concern with a laugh. "Nonsense! I'll be fine." She pulled out a lipstick and mirror from her purse, carefully applying it.

"What if he's not what you expect?" I asked cautiously, knowing Amy's standards were sky-high.

She paused, narrowing her eyes at me. "What do you mean?"

"Like... what if he's a nerd?"

"Or Wellington," Nate added with a smirk, making Amy laugh.

"Guys, please." She rolled her eyes. "I know I attract all kinds, but this one's different. I can feel it. He knows my type. And my type is hot. Definitely not nerdy."

"Just make sure to tell us how it goes," Selena said with a small nod, her tone light but serious.

"Fine, Mom," Amy teased, rolling her eyes again.

Before the conversation could go further, Luke and Jaden returned with drinks for the table, dropping them off as they sat down.

"So, when are they announcing prom king and queen?" Jaden asked, sipping his punch.

"Around 10," Nate replied, glancing at the clock.

I followed his gaze to the stage and felt a knot tighten in my stomach. If I won—and that was a big if—I'd have to go up there. On stage. In front of everyone. Worse, I'd have to dance with Aiden afterward.

Dancing wasn't my thing. Public speaking was even worse. My mind raced with scenarios where I'd trip over my words—or worse, my feet. Unlike Aiden, who thrived in the spotlight, I wanted to crawl under a table and hide.

I glanced down at my lap, trying to steady myself, when I noticed Alyssa scanning the ballroom like she was searching for someone.

"Where's Mason?" Aiden asked suddenly, his brow furrowed.

"Probably with Cady," Luke said with a smirk. "Someone's gonna have a nice night."

"Finally," Jaden added. "She's been into him since the start of the year, and he's always brushed her off."

"That's true," Aiden mused. "I haven't seen him with a girl since last year."

"Do you think something weird's going on with him?" Cameron asked, a flicker of concern in his voice.

"Nah, he's just not like us," Aiden replied. "Mason's not the type to jump from fling to fling."

"Which is a shame," Luke said dramatically, sighing. "He could, so easily. The world is unfair."

"God really gives nuts to those with no teeth," Jaden added, making the table burst into laughter.

We turned to see Mason talking to Cady near the drinks table, her face lit up with a sly smile.

"I'm rooting for him," Cameron said, raising his glass.

"Go, Mason!" Luke shouted, drawing the entire room's attention, including Mason and Cady's. Cady's grin widened, her confidence unmistakable.

"What a slick bastard," Jaden muttered, but before he could finish, Alyssa downed two glasses of punch in quick succession.

"Let's dance," she announced, grabbing Nate's hand.

"Alright," he said with a shrug, following her to the dance floor.

"Me too," Amy chimed in, her excitement bubbling over as she hurried after them.

"Since we're here..." Cameron began, turning to Selena with an extended hand.

She smirked. "Sure, why not?"

Luke and Jaden stood, stretching. "We're getting more drinks," Luke declared, and the two sauntered off, leaving just me and Aiden at the table.

I glanced at him hesitantly. He smiled back, leaning closer.

"Looks like it's just us," he said, his tone soft but teasing.

My heart gave an involuntary flutter.

This is going to be a long night.