The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the opulent Santa Barbara streets as I stand outside my apartment building, waiting for Natasha to pick me up. The evening breeze blows gently through my auburn curls, and I can't help but feel a flutter of excitement for the fashion show we are about to attend.

"Lexie!" a familiar voice calls out, catching me off guard. My heart skips a beat when I see Tristan's car pull up instead of Natasha's.

"Tristan? What are you ...