Chapter 4

She left with Alex trailing behind her, leaving me utterly alone. A wave of nervousness washed over me, and I felt like a little girl who had lost her parents. Well, I *had* lost them. A tear escaped, but I quickly wiped it away, my heart tightening in my chest. Moments later, I saw Ash approaching me, accompanied by a fair-skinned girl dressed in a stunning pink crystal-ball gown. Her golden-brown hair cascaded down her back, glowing under the moonlight, making her appear like an ethereal angel. Her piercing blue eyes were the most captivating I had ever seen. It wasn't just her beauty; she exuded wealth and elegance.

"Hey, sis, meet Emma Natalia Dragons. And Emma, meet my number-one best sister, Araya Kathryn Elizabeth Stewarts," Ash introduced us, her voice brimming with excitement, her eyes sparkling with pride.

"Hi, Dragons," I greeted politely, extending my hand for a handshake, my heart racing with a mix of nerves and curiosity.

Instead, Emma pulled me into a warm hug, her embrace enveloping me like a comforting blanket. "I've heard so much about you from Ashley! I'm so glad you could come to my birthday party. It's such a pleasure to meet the sister of my best friend!" she gushed, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

I laughed, charmed by her enthusiasm, feeling a flicker of joy amidst my earlier anxiety.

"Ashley, dear, your sister is stunning. I'm sure my brother would fall head over heels for her," Emma whispered to Ash, and they both giggled, their laughter light and infectious. I felt my cheeks flush at the compliment, a shy smile creeping onto my face.

"May I have this dance, sister?" Emma asked, extending her hand toward me, her eyes sparkling with invitation.

Her grace and humility were enchanting. It was hard to believe this poised young girl owned such a magnificent mansion. She seemed far too grounded for someone so wealthy.

"Sure, dear," I replied, thrilled by her warm gesture, my heart swelling with gratitude.

We waltzed to the rhythm of the music, our movements fluid and joyful, until she was called away by her classmates, leaving me with a sense of longing for more of her infectious spirit.

I returned to Ash ,her checked Redding with mischievous smile.

"How is Emma, Ally?" Ash asked with a curious smile, her eyes bright with interest.

"She's wonderful, Ash. I'd give her a pass. And yes, she definitely smells of money," I replied truthfully, smiling at her, my heart lightening at the thought of Emma's vibrant energy.

"May I have this dance, Ash?" a boy, likely one of Ash's classmates, approached us from behind, his voice hopeful.

"Of course," Ash replied with a shy smile, her cheeks flushing as she followed him to the dance floor, her excitement palpable.

Left alone, I grabbed a glass of wine and found a seat, my fingers trembling slightly as I lifted the glass to my lips. I drank slowly, trying to ease the tension of the day, but as the minutes passed, I started to feel restless, my heart racing with unease.

One glass turned into two, then three. The wine attendant gave me a curious look, but I ignored it, my head beginning to spin as I kept drinking. Then, in my slightly tipsy state, I scanned the room—and my jaw dropped in shock.

Jennifer Woods was dancing with Jason. My Jason. Or was I imagining things?

Jason was supposed to be my plus two but he turned me down by claiming to have a pending work that needed his urgent attention.

He had told me earlier that he couldn't make it to the party because of "work commitment." So why was he here, in the arms of a woman infamous for her manipulative, gold-digging ways? I blinked rapidly, hoping I was mistaken, but the scene remained unchanged. Jennifer was draped all over him, blowing kisses in his direction, her laughter ringing in my ears like a taunt.

Jennifer was a sultry woman, exuding an air of confidence that was hard to ignore. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in soft, seductive waves, framing her face and accentuating her high cheekbones. Her skin was a warm caramel tone, smooth and flawless, glowing under the dim lights of the party. She wore a form-fitting black dress that clung to her curves in all the right places, emphasizing her hourglass figure. The neckline dipped just low enough to be alluring without crossing into vulgarity, and the hemline flirted with the tops of her thighs, showcasing her long, toned legs.

Her piercing green eyes sparkled with mischief, framed by thick, dark lashes that made them appear even more captivating. They held a certain intensity, as if she was always in control of the situation, always aware of the effect she had on those around her. A sultry smile played on her lips, full and inviting, as she leaned into Jason, her laughter ringing out like a siren’s call.

As she draped herself over him, her movements were fluid and deliberate, each gesture designed to draw attention. She leaned in closer, her body brushing against his, and I could see the way she tilted her head, her expression one of playful seduction. It was clear she thrived on the attention, relishing the power she held in that moment.