Aria's POV:

The mirror didn’t lie.

But I couldn’t get myself to believe what I was seeing.

I looked..stunning.

My heart raced as I tried on the clothes Ivy picked for me. According to the dress code, the black crop top fit my body perfectly, clinging to my ample breasts.

The mini skirt I wore hugged my curves, stopping above my thighs; it fit perfectly against my firm backside. I couldn't help but admire myself and how the miniskirt showcased my shape.

"Wow, you look amazing, Aria," Ivy said as she burst into the room, fully dressed, her energy lighting up the space.

Her silhouette was both delicate and strong, the crop top highlighting the curve of her back and shoulders. The way the fabric clung to her chest emphasized her body but also her power. She moved with a fluid grace, the crop top a testament to her confidence. The shape of her breasts were rounded but not as busty as mine.

"Do I really need to go?" I asked, a cloud of worry washing over me.

I felt uneasy about the day ahead of me, about what was happening, everything that had occurred so far, and my best friend betraying me. I didn't want to talk about it with Ivy; maybe when we got back from the party, I would inform her.

"Aria," Ivy said playfully, "Sometimes you need to loosen up , go out and have some damn fun for once”

“Plus, You look hot as hell tonight..I’d totally smash if I were into girls.”she continued, chuckling.

I couldn’t tell if it was a joke or she actually thought I looked hot.

She moved closer to me, her fingers brushing down my chest adjusting my boobs properly in the black crop top..but her touch sent shivers down my spine instead.

The more she touched me , the more I thought about Wolfe. And for some weird reason, I wished he was the one touching me; the way he made me feel something.

Something I couldn't explain .

But after what I’d seen earlier, I tried to bury whatever I was feeling. I definitely didn’t want to see him. Not now. Not ever.

“Ivy, we are going to be late ," I said, holding back her hands as I realized she had been wasting so much time trying to make me look extra perfect for the party. “Besides, we have to leave before Dad gets back.”

"Just admiring my baby sister," she said in a soft voice, as she cupped my cheeks.

“You’re very..” I responded, as I broke into a light chuckle, bringing her hands down from my cheeks. “..mysterious.”

"Don't worry; after tonight, you’d definitely thank me.” She stepped back a few feet with a teasing smile, as if she were playing with me.

The promise in her voice made my stomach twist. What did that even mean?

“Let's go already,” I said, rolling my eyes with a playful grin. I grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the door before she could protest.

And just then—-

*Ding*

My phone flashed with the same anonymous number.

*Anonymous:I just need to clear things out or would you prefer I came to your house? *

What the—?

I immediately shoved my phone into my navy blue purse that matched my high heels and diamond necklace. I urged Ivy to hurry as I dragged her even harder as she walked slowly behind me.

"What’s going on?” she asked, as she staggered behind me.

"I’d explain everything later, but for now we need to hurry.”

When we finally reached our mansion gate. The Uber Ivy ordered was already there. We told the driver the address of the hotel.

I pushed Ivy inside.

"Hey, be careful!” she exclaimed loudly.

"We need to leave now!" I demanded, shouting back at the driver.

The driver moved immediately. I sat down and closed my eyes. We turned onto the expressway. I glanced back to see if I could see any sign of Wolfe's car, but thankfully I didn't.

I didn’t want to see him. I wasn’t interested any longer. He enjoys his life. I should enjoy mine too.

"You better have a good explanation for this, Aria," Ivy said, as she put down her phone and faced me.

"Don't worry; I’d tell you everything after the party.” I promised.

And just then—-

My phone flashed again.

ANOTHER message from the anonymous number.

**‘Where are you?’**

I switched my phone off and pushed the thought aside, reminding myself that he couldn’t find me now. I was never going to see either him or Jules again.

As we reached the hotel gate, the building was massive, showcasing classic modern architecture.

A lot of students were present; I couldn't get down now, not when they would be looking at me.

I turned to Ivy, who was now on her phone. "Ivy, please I’d need you to get me a mask before I can get out of the car.”

"Oh please.” She hissed.

"Can you just stop overreacting?”

"Please Ivy, I’ll explain everything later I swear ," I pleaded.

She got out, and I watched her walk towards the table where the masks were located by the hotel gate.

She picked two and handed one to me. It covered my face entirely just as I’d wanted.

I got out and walked towards the gate.

"Evening ladies, may I have your invitation card?" the guard asked, dressed in a black suit.

Oh shit.

I totally forgot about the invitation card.

I hurriedly searched my purse for the invitation, hoping it was in but unfortunately.. it wasn’t.

I raised up my head slowly from my purse to meet Ivy’s gaze in realization.

“Ivy,” I swallowed. “I think I left the invitation while we were rushing out.”

Ivy was looking at me with a ridiculous expression. "Are you fucking serious right now?”

I didn't know what to say or how to respond. I felt embarrassed.

"Why isn’t the line moving already?!” a lady yelled from behind me.

Who the hell could I call for help?

"Ladies, you can't enter without an invitation," the guard declared, pushing I and Ivy to the side.

Where the hell did I put the damn invitation card? My fingers trembled as I dug through my purse , the party’s muffled bass thumping in my ears.

Thenn— a scent hit me.

Sandalwood and something darker. Something that made my stomach clench.

*No it couldn’t be*. I whipped around scanning the crowd.

"If you agree to be my partner tonight, I’d help you get inside.”

I knew that voice.My breath Caught.

Slowly I turned..

And I couldn’t believe my eyes.

It was him.

The Anonymous number.

Wolfe.