CHAPTER FOUR🥀

The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of Emily’s room, casting a soft glow on the walls. The alarm on the phone on her bedside table blinked 8:00 AM.

The air was cool, signaling the early arrival of autumn, and Emily felt a slight chill as she swung her legs out of bed.

She stretched, feeling the coolness of the floor beneath her feet, did her morning routine by arranging the room and going to take her morning shower.

She came out of the bathroom, walked into her room and straight to her closet. Given the weather, she decided to go with something comfortable—a soft, oversized gray sweater and a pair of navy-blue sweatpants. She pulled her hair into a loose ponytail, letting a few strands fall around her face. After slipping on her only sneakers, she grabbed her phone from the nightstand.

The events of yesterday replayed in her mind as she hesitated, thumb hovering over her contacts. The invitation to the party lingered at the forefront of her thoughts.

She had been mulling it over all night, weighing the pros and cons, trying to convince herself one way or the other. With a deep breath, she finally tapped on Elena’s name and started typing a message.

Her fingers moved quickly, the words flowing from her decision. After a final read-through, she pressed "send" and felt a mix of relief and anticipation. Whatever her choice, it was done.

Emily walked into the school building, feeling the familiar blend of nervousness and routine that marked the start of her day.

Students moved through the hallways in a buzz of chatter, and lockers clanged shut in the background. She clutched her backpack straps a little tighter, her mind drifting back to the text she’d sent Elena earlier that morning.

What would Elena think? How would she react?

As she rounded the corner to her locker, she saw Elena standing by the door, waiting for her. Even from a distance, Elena’s presence was captivating.

She wore a stunning white crop top that perfectly contrasted with her caramel skin, and black leather pants that hugged her curves with effortless style. Her straight black hair cascaded down her back, glossy and impeccably styled, as if she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Elena’s eyes lit up the moment she spotted Emily. She broke into a radiant smile, her entire demeanor exuding warmth and excitement. “Emily!” she called out, her voice a mix of joy and relief.

Before Emily could respond, Elena closed the distance between them and enveloped her in a hug. The scent of Elena’s expensive perfume—a blend of jasmine and citrus—lingered in the air. Pulling back slightly, Elena held onto Emily’s shoulders, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

“I’m so glad you agreed to come to the party!” Elena said, her voice bubbling with excitement.

She squeezed Emily’s shoulders gently. “I knew you’d say yes, but seeing it still made my day!”

Emily smiled, her earlier apprehension melting away in the warmth of Elena’s enthusiasm. “I couldn’t say no,” she replied, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. “It’s not every day I get invited to a party.”

Elena beamed. “You’re going to have an amazing time, I promise. We’ll get ready together, and I’ll make sure you have everything you need. It’s going to be unforgettable.”

As they walked together down the hallway, Elena’s excitement was infectious, and for the first time, Emily felt a surge of anticipation rather than anxiety about the upcoming party.

The day began as any other, with Elena going out of school to get some issues sorted out and modeling while Emily attended classes…walking through the school’s main entrance, clutching her backpack straps tightly, her head slightly bowed.

The chilly morning air was a stark contrast to the warmth she had felt from Elena’s hug earlier. The echo of students' voices, lockers slamming, and shoes squeaking on the polished floor greeted her as she made her way to her first class.

But something felt different.

Emily couldn’t quite put her finger on it at first, but as the day progressed, she began to notice subtle changes in how others treated her.

The usual snickers and whispered insults that followed her down the hallways seemed to have lessened. When she passed a group of girls who typically sneered at her, they merely glanced her way, then looked away, as if she no longer interested them.

A couple of guys who often made rude comments when she walked by instead nodded politely, one even saying hi to her as she entered the classroom.

It was unexpected but made Emily’s chest feel lighter, as though a heavy weight had been lifted from her.

The constant tension she carried with her—always expecting a nasty comment, a shove, or a cruel laugh—began to dissipate.

She felt almost…normal.

It was a strange sensation, and though she wasn’t entirely sure why things had changed, she couldn’t help but feel a quiet relief. Could it be Elena's influence? she wondered.

Ever since they had started hanging out, things had been different. People were noticing her, but not in the way they used to. She wasn't just "that nerdy girl" anymore. She was Emily, a girl who was friends with the new, glamorous, and famous Elena Ortega.

The thought made her smile slightly, but it also left her with a gnawing feeling of uncertainty. Was this shift in behavior because of who she was or just because of who she was with?. Obviously the latter.

When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Emily packed her things with a little more energy than usual.

As she exited the classroom, she met up with Elena, who was waiting by her locker with her typical air of effortless grace.

“So,” Elena began as Emily reached her locker, her voice smooth and inviting, “I’m finally finished with my schedule today, how about we head to my place tomorrow, We can hang out, get ready for the party, and maybe even make a night of it after we get back. My other three friends will be there too of course, getting dressed for the party.”

Emily’s heart skipped a beat. The idea of going to Elena’s house, a place she imagined to be as luxurious and refined as Elena herself, filled her with both excitement and nervousness.

She had never been to a friend’s house before, not even Liam’s house, much less one as posh as Elena's. “Uh, sure,” Emily stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. “But I don’t really have anything to wear for the party…”

Elena waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll go shopping today. I know just the place. We’ll find you something amazing.”

Emily’s nerves began to settle, replaced by a flutter of anticipation. Shopping with Elena? Going to her house? It all felt surreal, like stepping into a world she’d only seen in movies or read about in books.

After school, they headed to the parking lot together.

As they approached the cars, Emily noticed something different. Instead of the sleek white Porsche car Elena had driven yesterday, there was a shiny white BMW waiting for them.

Emily paused, eyes widening slightly as she took in the sight. The car was pristine, its paint gleaming under the afternoon sun, reflecting the surrounding scenery like a mirror. Its polished chrome accents caught the light, and the luxury brand’s emblem seemed to shine with a subtle confidence.

Elena noticed Emily’s surprise and smiled. “Yeah, I thought I’d bring something a little different today. Keeps things interesting, you know?”

Emily nodded, still slightly dazed. As she slid into the passenger seat, she couldn’t help but marvel at the interior—smooth leather seats, a sleek dashboard, and an intoxicating scent of new car and expensive perfume.

The car was a world apart from anything Emily had ever experienced, further solidifying her realization of just how wealthy Elena must be.

Once they were both settled in, Elena started the engine with a quiet purr. As they pulled out of the parking lot, Emily couldn’t resist sneaking glances at her friend.

The effortless way Elena handled everything, from her clothes to her cars, was almost otherworldly. It made Emily feel a little out of place, but at the same time, she was intrigued. What would it be like to live like this? To not worry about money or what people thought of you?

As they drove toward the shopping district, Elena hummed along to the music playing softly in the background. Emily stared out the window, watching the cityscape roll by, her thoughts racing.

She tried to picture what Elena’s house would be like. Probably something huge, with polished floors, sparkling chandeliers, and rooms big enough to get lost in.

Her mind also kept drifting back to the upcoming party. Elena had mentioned that her other friends would be there, and Emily couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and dread.

What would they think of her? Would she fit in? She didn’t want to embarrass herself or Elena, but she also didn’t want to pretend to be someone she wasn’t.

It was a lot to take in, but as they approached the boutique where they would shop for party clothes, Emily decided to push her worries aside.

As Elena’s BMW glided through the streets of New York City, Emily gazed out of the window, her eyes wide with wonder.

She had lived in the city her entire life, but this part of New York was unfamiliar to her.

They were no longer in the crowded, bustling streets filled with honking taxis and throngs of pedestrians. Instead, they had entered a quieter, more refined area where the buildings were sleek and modern, with towering glass facades that shimmered under the midday sun. High-end shops lined the streets, each more elegant than the last, with ornate signs and luxurious displays that seemed almost too perfect to touch.

The trees that lined the sidewalks were meticulously manicured, their leaves a vibrant green that stood out against the concrete jungle.

People walked by, dressed in designer clothes, looking as if they had stepped out of a fashion magazine. Emily felt like she had entered another world, one far removed from the life she was used to.

This was a world of wealth, sophistication, and privilege—a world she had only seen in movies.

The BMW turned a corner and slowed as they approached an exquisite boutique that stood out even among the high-end shops surrounding it. The boutique was an architectural marvel, with a minimalist design and a grand entrance framed by large glass windows that offered a glimpse of the opulent interior.

The name, "La Belle Élégance," was written in delicate gold script above the entrance, exuding a sense of understated luxury.

Elena pulled the car to a stop in front of the boutique and parked it with ease. “We’re here,” she said with a smile, turning off the engine.

Emily could only nod, still taking in her surroundings. She had never seen this part of New York before, let alone a boutique like this.

As she stepped out of the car, the cool breeze brushed against her skin. The entire area felt pristine, as if it were untouched by the chaos of the city.

Elena led the way into the boutique, pushing open the glass doors with a practiced hand. A soft chime rang as they entered, and Emily’s breath caught in her throat.

The interior of La Belle Élégance was nothing short of breathtaking. The boutique was spacious and airy, with high ceilings and walls painted in soft shades of cream and gold. Crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting a warm, inviting glow over the room.

The floors were made of polished marble, so smooth and reflective that Emily could see her own astonished expression staring back at her.

The racks and displays were arranged with precision, showcasing an array of stunning outfits and dresses. Silks, satins, and velvets in every imaginable color filled the boutique, each piece more beautiful than the last.

There were gowns adorned with intricate beadwork, dresses with delicate lace accents, and tailored suits that seemed to be crafted to perfection. Everywhere Emily looked, there was luxury—exquisite, unattainable luxury.

Elena walked in with the confidence of someone who belonged here, her presence commanding attention. Almost immediately, a well-dressed woman approached them with a warm, practiced smile. She was the manager, and her tailored suit and perfectly coiffed hair made her look like she had stepped out of a high-fashion magazine.

“Elena! So wonderful to see you again,” the manager greeted, her tone both professional and friendly. “Welcome back to La Belle Élégance.”

“Thank you, Aubrey,” Elena replied with a charming smile. “We’re here to find something special for a party tomorrow night. I’m sure you have some new arrivals?”

“Of course,” Aubrey said, her eyes gleaming with recognition. It was clear that Elena was a regular here, someone whose patronage was valued. “I’ll have everything brought out to your usual fitting space. And if you need anything else, just let me know.”

Elena nodded, then turned to Emily with a grin. “Let’s find you something amazing.”

As Aubrey walked off to arrange their fitting space, Elena guided Emily further into the boutique.

Emily followed, still in awe of her surroundings. She had never seen so many beautiful clothes in one place before. Every outfit seemed to be designed for someone with a life far more glamorous than hers. It was overwhelming, yet thrilling at the same time.

The boutique’s fitting area was tucked away in a more private section of the store, separated by ornate curtains and plush seating. A large, gilded mirror stood at the center, reflecting around them.

Aubrey returned with a few other employees, each carrying an armful of clothes. They hung the garments on racks, displaying a variety of dresses, blouses, and skirts that made Emily’s head spin.

Elena wasted no time in diving into the selection. She pulled a few dresses off the racks, holding them up to her body and examining them critically in the mirror. “What do you think of this one?” she asked, holding up a deep red gown with a daring neckline.

“It’s beautiful,” Emily said, feeling a little out of her depth. Elena looked stunning in everything she picked up, and Emily couldn’t imagine herself fitting in with this level of sophistication.

“Try to find something you like too,” Elena encouraged as she handed the red gown to one of the employees. “Don’t worry about the price—just focus on finding something that makes you feel amazing.”

Emily nodded, though she was still hesitant. She browsed through the racks, her fingers grazing the luxurious fabrics as she moved from dress to dress. Most of the outfits were far too extravagant for her taste, with plunging necklines, really high slits, and bold colors that she knew she couldn’t pull off. But then, one dress caught her eye.

It was a modest yet elegant black dress, made of soft, flowing fabric . The dress had a decent neckline with just one long sleeve on the left, but what set it apart was the tasteful slit along one side, which added just the right amount of flair.

The simplicity of the design contrasted beautifully with the luxurious material, and Emily found herself drawn to it immediately.

She carefully lifted the dress off the rack.

The fabric was smooth and luxurious beneath her fingers.

Elena walked over and glanced at the dress in Emily’s hands, a smile spreading across her face. “That’s a great choice, Emily. It’s sophisticated and classic, just like you. I think it’ll look stunning on you.”

Emily smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Elena’s approval meant a lot to her, especially in a place like this, where she felt so out of her depth.

Elena turned to signal the manager, ready to finalize their choices and head to the counter, when Emily’s eyes caught something that made her heart skip a beat.

The price tag. She flipped it over, her eyes widening as she read the number.

$1,850.

The blood drained from her face.

The dress was beautiful, yes, but that price was unimaginable to her. It was more than what her mother made in a month selling pastries.

Panic bubbled up inside her as she tried to comprehend spending so much on a single dress.

“Elena, wait,” Emily said, her voice shaky. She quickly hung the dress back on the rack, her fingers trembling slightly. “I… I can’t. This dress is way too expensive. I can’t let you spend that kind of money on me.”

Elena raised an eyebrow, glancing back at Emily with mild confusion. “What do you mean? You love the dress, don’t you?”

“It’s not that,” Emily said quickly, trying to find the right words. “It’s just… $1,850? That’s insane. I mean, that’s a lot of money, and I can’t be the reason you go slightly bankrupt.”

Elena stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing, a rich, genuine laugh that echoed through the boutique. Emily blinked in surprise, unsure of what was so funny.

“Oh, Emily,” Elena said, still chuckling as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “You’re too adorable. Bankrupt? Even if I bought every dress in this boutique, it wouldn’t put a dent in my finances.”

Emily’s eyes widened in disbelief. “But… $1,850?”

Elena waved a hand dismissively. “Trust me, this is nothing. And besides, I’m not even using my personal account—I’m using my spending card. My family gives me a pretty generous allowance, so don’t worry about the cost. I want you to have this dress, and I won’t take no for an answer.”

Emily felt a wave of relief wash over her, but there was still a part of her that felt uneasy about the price.

She wasn’t used to this kind of extravagance, and the idea of someone spending that much money on her made her feel a little guilty. But Elena’s confidence and nonchalance were reassuring, and Emily didn’t want to ruin the moment.

“Okay,” Emily said finally, her voice soft. “Thank you, Elena. Really.”

“Don’t mention it,” Elena replied with a grin. “You’re going to look amazing tomorrow night. I can’t wait to see you in that dress.”

After finishing their shopping spree, Emily and Elena made their way to the checkout counter. The boutique manager, who had been nothing but accommodating throughout their visit, greeted them with a polite smile.

Elena handed over the dresses she had picked out: a stunning deep red silk gown with a dramatic plunging neckline, a shimmering emerald green cocktail dress with intricate beadwork, and a sleek white off-shoulder evening dress. Each one was a masterpiece of design, the kind of dress that turned heads and left lasting impressions.

In addition to the dresses, Elena had also selected a few pieces of exquisite jewelry: a diamond-studded choker, a pair of emerald drop earrings, and a delicate bracelet adorned with sapphires.

Emily watched in silent awe as the items were carefully wrapped in tissue paper and placed in glossy shopping bags. The manager tallied up the total, and when she whispered the final number to Elena, Emily’s breath caught in her throat.

$18,000.

Elena didn’t even flinch. She reached into her designer handbag, pulled out a sleek black card, and handed it over with a smile. “I’ll pay with this.”

The manager’s eyes widened slightly, recognizing the prestige associated with the card, before quickly swiping it. “Thank you, Miss Ortega,” the manager said, her tone both respectful and impressed as she handed the card back.

As the payment was processed, Emily couldn’t help but stare at Elena. To her, $18,000 was an unfathomable amount of money, far more than her mother earned in years... her mom didn’t even earn upto $500 in a month. Yet here Elena was, paying it off without a second thought.

It was a stark reminder of the different worlds they came from, and Emily felt a mix of amazement and disbelief.

Once the transaction was complete, the manager handed over the bags with a warm smile. “Thank you for your patronage, Miss Ortega. We hope to see you again soon.”

Elena took the bags and handed a few to Emily. “Thank you,” she said graciously before turning to Emily. “Ready to head back?”

Emily nodded, still slightly overwhelmed by the experience. They exited the boutique and made their way back to the car, the crisp New York air brushing against their faces.

As they drove back to school, Emily couldn’t help but glance at the shopping bags in the backseat. It was surreal to think that she would be wearing a dress that cost more than anything she had ever owned.

When they finally arrived back at school, the parking lot was filling up with students returning from lunch. They quickly made their way to the lockers to store the bags.

Emily’s mind was still reeling from the entire experience, but she tried to focus on the rest of the school day. There were still a few classes left, and she needed to keep herself grounded.

As they walked through the halls, Elena suddenly checked her phone and frowned. “Damn, I just got a last-minute photoshoot I need to get to.”

Emily looked at her with concern. “A photoshoot?”

“Yeah” Elena replied casually “It’s just a quick shoot, nothing too major, but I can’t skip it.”

“Oh, okay,” Emily said, her mood a little dampened.

“I’ll see you tomorrow though,” Elena added, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “We’re going to have a blast at the party.”

“Definitely,” Emily replied with a smile, though she still felt a bit nervous.

Elena gave her a quick hug before turning to leave. “Don’t forget to rest up. Tomorrow’s going to be a long night.”

“I will. Good luck with your shoot,” Emily said as Elena hurried off, her elegant figure quickly disappearing down the hallway.

With Elena gone, Emily made her way to her next class, trying to shake off the surreal feeling that had settled over her.

Tomorrow would be a big day, and she needed to be ready for whatever it might bring.

.

To be continued…

….Authoress Cass🤍