"ARE YOU TWO seriously throwing me into the den of wolves right now?" I gaped in disbelief, feeling betrayed. They turned down the invite from Nicolas' mother and had decided to spend the night out together after I agreed to go. Making matters worse, I'd somehow found myself forced to attend with Nicolas.

Letting Asra do my makeup, Zavian was seated on my bed playing Tetris, often complaining of how rigged the game was. Seeing them was a regular occurrence, and they spent more time in my dormitory than theirs. "We would love to keep you company, but being with rich people exhaust me," he brushed off casually. Dressed in loungewear with a pair of my pink slippers and sipping on a glass of lemonade, Zavian looked he was at home. With how often we argued as children, it came as a surprise that we got along now. And although he must have woken up from a nap not too long ago, I envied how quick it took for him to fix his hair into a pompadour.

"Amen," commented Asra, and I took the time to acknowledge her makeup that flattered her almond eyes. Having her family thrive in the fashion industry was beneficial for me in times like this. Though, I hadn't expected her to pull out a gown from her mother's unreleased gown collection. A sixty-three thousand dollar dress and Asra had the nerve to let me wear it like it was nothing. Tossing it toward me like a game of catch, I nearly felt my heart spring from my chest when Zavian's drink spilled inches away.

The daily life struggle of a rich person—to throw a sixty-three thousand dollar dress and remain unfazed when it's on the brink of being damaged.

How on earth did Asra think this was a good idea? Merely staring at it was enough, but to wear it was a whole another story. Made of a high-quality dark grey inner layer of chiffon, detailed with intricate French lacings and a handcrafted diamond leaf accessory at the waist that pulled the gown together, it was enough to pay half of my academy tuition.

After arguing for a cheaper dress and failing miserably, I settled for the dress and promised to put my life on the line to bring it back safely. Although I had laughed jokingly, I was rather serious about protecting it.

If it weren't for Asra, I would have pulled my wavy curls into a messy ponytail and called it a day. A thirty-minute lecture on the delicacy of hairstyles had me allowing her to do as she wished, which we ended up compromising and agreed to have my hair straightened.

Beauty was a pain in the ass. But for some odd reason, I didn't mind dressing up at all, and I blamed my best friend for being the culprit. "I haven't seen you in a dress since you were thirteen. How unsettling."

"I preferred pants, so I could kick Zavian and Dionte's ass when they pissed me off." I smiled cheekily, laughing as Zavian flipped me off with a dry look.

"How is Dionte?" he asked, kicking the duvet around like a ragdoll. I'd initially met Zavian through my older brother, so it didn't come as a shock when we hated one another.

While keeping in touch with my parents daily, Dionte joined the calls whenever he was home visiting. "Probably somewhere Los Angeles on set,"

"Can you tell him to get an autograph from Leonardo da Vinci?"

I blinked, "Do you mean Leondardo DiCaprio?"

"Tomato, tomahto," he waved off, "My cousin is in love with him, and I just want to rub it in her face." And I realized why Zavian and I didn't get along as children.

Ignoring his absurd request, I hesitated to face the oversized body mirror hung on the wall by the vanity. Despite the ridiculous amount of time used, I was in awe of my appearance. Perhaps I should listen more carefully to what Asra would lecture me next about.

Receiving a call from an unknown number, I wasn't surprised to find that it was Nicolas. Without bothering for greetings, he demanded that I meet him at the academy doors. Although my parents owned a villa nearby, it was also half an hour away. He had offered to pick me up from home, but I'd refused and insisted I would stay in the academy. Things would be complicated if he suspected my situation.

"I'm meeting Nicolas downstairs. Please feel free to lounge around in my dormitory for however long you like." I stated sarcastically, stuffing my phone, some cash, and a phone USB into the Dior clutch that she insisted I wear. Layering an oversized trench coat over the dress, Asra immediately scowled. "It's chilly outside. I'll take it off when I arrive there." I reassured her. Being that it was the peak of Fall, nights were much windier. And considering the one sleeve style of the dress, it was better safe than sorry.

"Be safe," called Zavian, "We'll call you later to check up on you. Do you need us to walk you down?"

I shook my head, "The elevator goes straight down to the main floor," I rolled my eyes at how protective they could be. Puckering my lips, I sent an air-kiss to Asra, "Thanks for helping me get ready tonight. I owe you one!"

Waving, I strode out the door, only to find August waiting for me by the elevator. "Nicolas asked if I could escort you there instead. His mother called him earlier," awkwardly, I nodded and followed him. Frankly, his cologne smelt like heaven, and it didn't help that it was all I could smell. "You look good tonight."

I choked on my spit, coughing as I attempted to regain composure. Softly laughing, I glanced at August for a moment, looking away when he caught my eye. He had a dangerous charm and a pretty face. Worse of all, he knew it. "I'm wearing a huge trench coat. I'm afraid your words of flattery won't work on me."

"Don't worry, love, you're still a solid four on the scale."

How dare he compliment me, then insult me in less than a minute!

He led me to silver Porshe parked by the gates, which I thought was the ugliest car I'd ever seen. Guiding me with his hand by my lower waist, I was thankful no one was witnessing this. It should have been a sin with looks like that.

A man in his late thirties handed August a set of car keys, and I wasn't surprised to find he had a personal valet. There were many rumours regarding the type of person he was. Most called him a tyrant, a ruthless businessman following his father's footsteps. Despite his young age, he had promising abilities and proved it by crushing many corporations. I never liked to believe what others gossiped about, and truthfully, he didn't seem like a terrible person. Speaking to him was tolerable, but he gave off a cold and pressuring aura.

Speeding down the highway, I cursed the man next to me. My head whipped against the seat when he slowed down, only to speed up the next. He reminded me of Dionte, who often did this whenever he could lay his hand on a sports car.

Did Micah pick you up yet? I frowned at the text, assuming that it was Nicolas. Sending a quick response, I told him that August did. After waiting for several minutes, I received an empty response. "We're here."

Dozens of cars were parked in rows, and I recognized a few familiar faces from the academy. Swinging open his door, August tossed his keys to another valet as he rounded the car. Lost in my astonished and admiring state, I hadn't noticed when he held out his hand to help me out. "Thank you," I smiled, my eyes observing every detail. From the uniquely twisted fencing, the neatly trimmed hedges surrounding the estate, and the marble fountain with an angel holding a flower, the exterior was beautiful.

With my hand still in his, he tugged me gently along. Despite how meek I was feeling, I lifted my chin upward and straightened my back. If I showed an ounce of insecurity, they'd surely trash me. They were observing for weakness, and picking me was the wrong choice.

My eyes connected with Natalia as she sneered distastefully at me. Her elegant dirty blonde hair was pinned in a bun with diamond clips. She looked expensive. Hell, everyone I saw did. And I'd never witnessed so many compliments and smiles in my life, even if they were forced. "Is that the unreleased Rye and Sahiti collab gowns?" asked a female, wide-eyed in awe. She circled around me, squealing as if it confirmed that. She would probably lose her mind if I told her I knew Asra Rye personally. It was astonishing that she knew the designs well, considering I hadn't taken off my coat yet. "August, introduce me!" she elbowed him roughly, frowning.

"This is Prisha Khatri, my cousin's girlfriend," he sighed, then gestured to me with a cheeky smile. "This is my date, Calista Lockhart." Catching sight of Nicolas by the entrance waiting for me, his gaze turned icy. August was purposely trying to piss him off.

Prisha raised her eyebrow suggestively, leaning to whisper in my ear, "You're the first to be announced as his date," she explained.

August scowled, pulling me closer to his chest, "Stop giving her ideas, Prisha." Without another word, his fingers trailed down my waist and rested there. I watched as he spoke with a man dressed in a grey suit, holding a microphone. "August Athen Laurent and his date, Calista Lockhart entering!"

What kind of goddamn ball needed to have announcements for every guest?!

The first thing I could hear was the chatter of two females in a language I was most fluent in. "Dieu, comment une vilaine salope comme elle pourrait-elle le séduire?" (God, how could a nasty bitch like that seduce him)

"Avec ton attitude, il ne regarderait même pas dans ta direction, chérie," I replied innocently, pouting. Unzipping my trench coat, I handed it a butler. Wrapping my arm protectively to August's, I glanced up and grinned, "Baby, do you know these two?" (With your attitude, he wouldn't even look in your direction, sweetheart)

A surge of confidence unseen rushed out, and August looked genuinely amused. Often times, my temper or arrogance would seep through the cracks of my facade. I'd deal with his suspicions later, but now, this was the perfect place for information.

"No, I don't make it a habit to remember unpleasant faces," remarked August, tightening his hold on my waist. What the hell was this? "Seems like my girlfriend gets a lot of attention, hm?"

Laughing slowly, I pretended to slip, using the back of my heel to crush his foot. Perhaps the makeup and dress were giving me too much courage. If looks killed, I would have died multiple times ago. His expression showed distaste, and it reminded me of when he dumped his smoothie on me. Luckily for me, he couldn't simply lash out at me in front of all these people. Well, he could, but I knew his image was important. "August, I dumped you already. Please stop telling others we're dating." And I made sure that everyone around us could hear.