The bustling downtown boutique sparkled with rows of shimmering gowns and glittering accessories, the perfect setting for Winter Ball fever. Avery and Janice wandered through the racks, their arms already laden with a few potential options. The excitement was contagious, even for Avery, who had been unsure about attending in the first place.
“This one,” Janice declared, holding up a floor-length emerald green dress. “It’s stunning, Aves. It’ll make everyone’s jaws drop.”
Avery laughed, shaking her head. “It’s beautiful, but it’s too much. I don’t want to overdo it.”
“Too much? Please,” Janice scoffed, draping the dress over her arm. “You’re going with Shawn Carter, the most mysterious guy in school. You need to make an entrance.”
Avery rolled her eyes but allowed Janice to lead her toward the dressing rooms. After trying on several dresses, Avery finally emerged in a sleek navy-blue gown with a high neckline and intricate beading that caught the light just right.
Janice gasped. “That’s it. That’s the one.”
Avery turned to the mirror, her breath catching at her reflection. The dress hugged her frame perfectly, elegant yet understated. For the first time in a long time, she felt confident—like she belonged.
“Alright,” Avery said with a smile. “Let’s reserve it.”
A few days later, Avery was buzzing with excitement as she checked her email to confirm her dress reservation. But instead of the expected confirmation, her heart sank when she read the boutique’s message:
Dear Ms. Deveraux,
We regret to inform you that your reserved dress is no longer available due to an unexpected inventory issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.
“What?” Avery muttered, her excitement evaporating.
She quickly called the boutique, but they confirmed the message. “I’m sorry,” the clerk said. “The dress was double-booked, and it’s already been sold. There’s nothing we can do.”
Avery hung up, deflated. “Great. Just great,” she muttered.
When she told Janice, her best friend was livid. “That’s ridiculous! There’s no way they just lost your dress. Something’s off.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Avery said glumly. “The ball is in two days. I’ll have to find something else.”
Later that evening, Avery was at home scrolling through online shops for a backup dress when her phone buzzed. It was Ryan.
“Hey,” his text read. “Can I come by? I’ve got something for you.”
Avery frowned, unsure what to make of his message. She typed back, “What is it?”
“Trust me. It’s worth it.”
Curiosity got the better of her, and twenty minutes later, Ryan was on her doorstep, holding a garment bag.
“Ryan, what’s this?” Avery asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
“A replacement,” Ryan said, stepping inside. He unzipped the bag, revealing a stunning red gown with intricate lace detailing and a flowing skirt. “I heard about what happened with your dress. Thought I’d help out.”
Avery blinked in surprise, her suspicion momentarily giving way to gratitude. “Ryan, I… I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” Ryan said with a charming smile. “I just want you to have the night you deserve.”
As Ryan left, Avery felt a twinge of unease.
The next day, Avery shared the dress debacle and Ryan’s sudden intervention with Shawn as they walked through the courtyard.
“Wait,” Shawn said, his brow furrowing. “Ryan just happened to know your dress was canceled and had a backup ready?”
Avery shrugged. “I guess he heard about it from someone.”
Shawn shook his head, his jaw tightening. “No way. That doesn’t add up.”
“What are you saying?” Avery asked.
“I’m saying it’s too convenient,” Shawn said, his tone sharp. “Ryan’s been trying to insert himself into your life since day one. Now he’s swooping in to play the hero? Sounds like he had something to do with your dress getting ‘canceled.’”
Avery’s stomach twisted. “You think he sabotaged it?”
Shawn nodded. “Wouldn’t put it past him.”
That evening, as Shawn was leaving campus, he spotted Ryan leaning against his car in the student parking lot. The sight of him, smug as ever, set Shawn’s blood boiling.
“Hayes!” Shawn called, striding toward him.
Ryan looked up, a smirk already forming on his face. “What’s up, Carter?”
“You think you’re slick, don’t you?” Shawn said, his voice low and menacing.
Ryan tilted his head. “Care to elaborate?”
“The dress,” Shawn said. “You sabotaged Avery’s reservation so you could swoop in and play the hero.”
Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. “Wow, paranoid much? I didn’t do anything. But hey, if helping Avery makes me the bad guy in your book, I’ll take it.”
Shawn stepped closer, his green eyes blazing. “Listen to me, Hayes. Whatever game you’re playing, it ends now. Stay out of Avery’s life.”
Ryan’s smirk widened, his confidence unshaken. “And what if she doesn’t want me to stay out? Face it, Carter. You’re scared because you know I know her better than you ever will.”
Shawn’s fists clenched at his sides, but he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he leaned in, his voice cold. “You don’t deserve her, Hayes. And she’ll see that soon enough.”