Chapter three

Alex stood beside me, her own excitement palpable as she adjusted her outfit. “We’re going to make this a night to remember,” she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. I nodded in agreement, feeling the thrill of the evening ahead.

“Hurry up, Ash! We're running late!” Alex and I called out to her, our voices echoing through the house.

“Coming!” Ash screamed, bursting out of her room in the pink knee-length dress I had bought for her 16th birthday. Her light makeup and black heeled sandals made her look stunning, like a delicate white lily blooming in spring.

“How do I look?” she asked, wagging her ponytail excitedly, her eyes wide with anticipation.

I noticed the angel necklace I had gifted her around her neck, and she looked breathtakingly beautiful.

“You look stunning,” Alex complimented, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

“Gorgeous,” I added, my heart swelling with pride as I took in her radiant smile.

Ash beamed with pride, but her smile faltered as she scanned the room, her expression shifting to one of disappointment.

“Is Jason not coming again?” she asked, her voice tinged with sadness, her golden eyes dimming.

Jason was and has been my boyfriend since I was 16.

“Of course not, Ash,” I said, squeezing her hands gently, trying to reassure her. “He had some business to take care of, but I promise he'll come see you later.”

She narrowed her eyes at me in doubt, her lips forming a small pout, but eventually replaced her frown with a smile, her spirit lifting.

“Okay! Can we get going, girls, please?” Alex shouted, and we all laughed, the sound echoing with excitement as I drove the black Benz toward Emma's house.

**Natalie's House, 8:45 PM**

“I’m nervous, sis,” Ash whispered when we arrived at Natalie Stone's mansion, her voice barely above a whisper, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress.

We stood beside the car, awestruck. The place was magnificent, packed with luxurious cars. This was easily the most beautiful house I'd ever seen. It looked like something out of a dream.

“Don't be, Ash. I'm always with you,” I said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “But wow, your friend Emma must be very rich,” I added, trying to lighten the mood.

“Way too rich,” Alex chimed in, drag

ging us both into the mansion, our hearts racing with anticipation.