Invitation

The cafeteria was packed, as usual. Students from different programs filled the tables, chatting, laughing, and eating. Among them were Stella and Eya, sitting together with their trays of food.

Eya leaned in, eyes full of curiosity. "When's your training?"

"I have a brief orientation tomorrow, and then I'll find out the rest of the details"

Eya nodded, taking a sip of her iced coffee. "Girl, this is such a good opportunity, especially since Ellumiére is known for taking great care of their models"

Stella agreed. "That's why I'm excited. Based on reviews, their management is known to be really good"

A burst of laughter from a nearby table caught their attention.

At one of the best spots in the cafeteria sat the famous trio. Crystal and her two best friends.

They were known for their wealth, their designer outfits, and their exclusive social circle. Crystal, the leader, had an effortless air of confidence, flipping her perfectly styled hair as she whispered something to her friends.

Then, just as she laughed again, she glanced at Stella and Eya.

A single raised eyebrow.

A roll of her eyes.

Then, she turned back to her friends, smirking.

Eya, without missing a beat, raised her own eyebrow at Crystal and mouthed the word bitch with a teasing smile.

Stella chuckled but nudged Eya, silently telling her to behave.

Eya grinned. "Honesty is important"

Then, she leaned closer, lowering her voice. "By the way, did I ever tell you about Crystal's little obsession?"

Stella raised an eyebrow. "What obsession?"

Eya smirked. "That girl follows Mathews around like a lost puppy. It's pathetic. She even switched her major to business just to be in the same classes as him"

Stella blinked. "Wait. Seriously?" Wow, she's just as pathetic as I am… but not to that extent.

Eya nodded. "Dead serious. But Mathews doesn't even look at her"

Stella hummed in thought, glancing at Crystal again.

Eya waved a hand dismissively. "Anyway, forget about her. More importantly, you're coming to the Annual Business Gala with me"

Stella blinked. "Wait, what?"

Eya grinned. "The gala! It's a big deal for business majors, but everyone can bring a plus one. And guess what? You, my dear Stella, are my plus one"

Stella chuckled. "You just want me to come so you can spy on Mathews"

Eya gasped dramatically. "How dare you accuse me of such a thing!" Then she smirked. "Okay, maybe a little. But I'm doing this for you"

Stella smiled, but in the back of her mind, she realized Eya didn't know yet.

She still didn't know about her and Mathews.

Maybe now was the time to tell her.

Casually, Stella took a bite of her Hungarian sausage and said, "You know my dad got married again, right?"

Eya nodded. "Yeah, I remember. So, how's your… you know, new family?"

Stella wiped her lips with a napkin. "My dad married Mathews' mom"

Silence.

Eya froze mid-sip of her iced coffee. Then she choked.

"W-WHAT?!"

Stella just looked at her, dead serious. "Seriously."

Eya's eyes widened as she processed the information. "No. No way! Mathews fucking Windsor? Your stepbrother?!"

"Shh! Lower your voice" Stella simply nodded, chewing her food like it was no big deal.

Eya grabbed her head. "This is insane. I need a moment"

Stella smirked, watching her best friend spiral into disbelief.

Eya sat up straight again. "Wait, so does that mean you guys live together now?"

"Yes"

"Under the same roof?"

"Yes"

Eya leaned back dramatically. "No, because this is some drama-series-level plot twist"

Stella rolled her eyes. "You're being dramatic"

Eya ignored her. "So… does he talk to you at home? Or do you guys just awkwardly avoid each other?"

Stella stirred her drink. "We talk. Sometimes"

Eya narrowed her eyes. "Define sometimes"

Before Stella could answer, the bell rang, signaling the end of the lunch break.

Eya groaned. "Ugh, fine. But this conversation isn't over. I need details"

Stella laughed, picking up her bag. "We'll see"

As they left the cafeteria, Crystal and her friends shot them one last glance.

But Stella? She couldn't care less.

Right now, she had bigger things to deal with.

Like the fact that, in a few days, she would be stepping into the Annual Business Gala as Eya's plus one.

And Mathews Windsor, her stepbrother, would be there too.

That evening, Stella was in her room, fresh out of the shower. She sat in front of the mirror, brushing her damp hair, the fruity and floral scent of her shampoo still lingering in the air.

As she ran the brush through her strands, a knock echoed from the door.

She figured it was probably Manang Delia, sent to call her downstairs for dinner. Without a second thought, she stood up and opened the door—

Only to freeze in place.

She opened the door, expecting to see the helper, but instead, Mathews stood before her. His hair was neatly styled, with a few strands falling over his forehead, and he was dressed in his usual dinner attire. Those brown eyes looked at her, calm yet unreadable.

Mathews caught a whiff of the sweet floral scent lingering in her hair. The girl just stood there in front of him, not saying anything.

"They asked me to invite you for dinner" he explained, answering the unspoken question on her face: What are you doing here?

Stella simply nodded. "I'll be there in a minute" she said quickly, already moving to close the door.

Just a minute, because she hadn't expected him. She needed to breathe first.

But before she could shut the door completely, Mathews suddenly blocked it with his shoe.

"Don't just slam the door on me" he said calmly.

Stella hesitated before sighing and opening the door again.

With a questioning look, Stella faced Mathews.

"Do you need something else?" she asked directly.

Mathews didn't respond right away. Instead, he simply looked at her, then suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the doorway. The force of it made her stumble forward until they were pressed against each other.

"W-What.. Math—" Her words caught in her throat the moment she realized how close they were.

She could hear Mathews' steady breathing. He didn't move. Neither did she.

They just stood there, frozen, for more than two minutes.

Then, finally, his voice broke the silence.

"We're late. Let's go"

And just like that, he stepped away and walked off toward the stairs, leaving Stella standing there, still trying to catch her breath.