The lights of Regina's house gleamed like a beacon in the night, its grandeur a testament to the wealth and privilege of her family. Alessia hesitated at the gate, her heart hammering in her chest. She adjusted the dress her mother had lent her, the fabric hugging her curves in a way that made her feel simultaneously beautiful and exposed. The soft neckline gave a teasing peek of her cleavage, a feature she rarely showed.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the gates and walked toward the glowing house. As she entered, the music was loud and pulsing, and the scent of expensive perfume mingled with alcohol in the air. Conversations died down, and heads turned to look at her. Alessia flushed under the attention, her nerves bubbling to the surface.
Caleb stood near the bar, whiskey glass in hand, his usual smirk fading as his gaze locked onto Alessia. For a moment, he was stunned, his eyes trailing over her figure. He wasn't the only one—several people whispered as Alessia made her way inside. But Caleb couldn't take his eyes off her, even as Regina looped her arm around his.
"Alessia!" Regina's voice was syrupy sweet as she approached, her smile wide. "You look incredible! I'm so glad you made it."
Alessia forced a smile. "Thanks for inviting me."
Regina gestured to a tall, handsome boy who stepped forward with an easy confidence. His blond hair was neatly styled, and his sharp features were impossible to ignore.
"This is my cousin, Malfoy," Regina said, her voice dripping with charm. "He's a senior at Westwood. I figured you two might get along—he loves to study too."
Alessia shook his hand, noting the warmth of his smile and the glint of interest in his eyes. "Nice to meet you," she said politely.
Malfoy chuckled. "So, I hear your dad's a businessman?"
Alessia's stomach tightened, but she forced herself to nod. "Yeah," she said hesitantly. "But he's rarely home, so..."
"I totally get that," Malfoy said with an understanding smile. "Mine too. It's tough sometimes, isn't it?"
She nodded again, grateful the conversation didn't linger.
From the corner, Caleb downed his whiskey in one gulp, his jaw tightening as he watched Malfoy and Alessia talking. Malfoy leaned closer to her, handing her a drink. Alessia hesitated, glancing at the glass before finally taking it. Caleb's grip on his glass tightened, but before he could react, his phone buzzed.
It was a text from Regina:
"Come to my room. I've got a birthday surprise for you. 😉"
Caleb exhaled sharply, glancing back at Alessia one last time. Malfoy was now whispering something in her ear, and she gave a small laugh before sipping from the drink. Caleb's jaw tightened as he turned and headed upstairs.