fter breakfast, Kyle heads home to prep for the charity event this evening, promising to pick me up at 6:30pm.

The day drags on agonizingly slow until, by midday, Amrita shows up carrying a mountain of bags.

"What are you doing with all these bags?" I ask, eyeing the load.

"Hair, makeup, dresses..." she replies, pointing to each bag and naming its contents.

"Mmm Chocolates... and flowers?" I squeal.

She does a 90-degree turn as I stand right beside her, watching her sift through the stuff Kyle left on my desk yesterday.

I fold my arms and smile.

"What?" I tease.

"Who got you flowers? You're totally holding back information, and I need details!" she scolds, strutting to my bed and dropping the bags.

"Okay... don't freak out," I say, leaning against my desk.

"When you tell me not to freak out, you know I'll freak out! I'm freaking out right now," she squeals dramatically.

I roll my eyes at the drama queen in front of me.

"Kyle was here—last night, slash this morning," I confess, my cheeks flushing.

Her eyes widen, urging me on.

"He slept over," I add.

"You're giving me scraps—I want the full story!" she demands.

I laugh and spill every juicy detail: from him tossing stones at my window to our steamy lovemaking – skipping the intimate details, breakfast, and the moment he left for his place, capped off by our usual ritual of snapping pictures before I walked away.

She squeals again—but then tears well up in my eyes, as she wraps me in a comforting hug. She's the only one who knows what I'm planning to do tonight.

"It's going to be alright," she murmurs, rubbing my back and patting my hair.

"It's not!" I snap, though her soothing gestures continue.

"Well, why don't we get started? I want his last memory of you to be of you looking breathtaking, so he won't hate you as much," she suggests.

I'm not entirely sure if that's comfort or mischief, but I know she's trying to lift my mood. I smile.

"Good! Now, sit—let me work my magic wand like your very own fairy godmother," she winks.

I obey. She starts with my hair, and by the time she's done, it's sleek, glossy, and nowhere near as frizzy. Next, she hands me a stack of outfits to try on.

Just as I'm about to try on the fifth dress—because, according to her, the others just won't do—I hear the doorbell ring; Mum shouts, "I'll get it!"

"Expecting anyone?" Amrita asks.

"No..." I shake my head, returning to my dress marathon.

A moment later, there's another knock on my door.

"Come in," I call.

"It's for you," Mum announces with a wide smile as she hands me a package—a white box wrapped in a golden bow. True to form, she stands there, nosy and expectant.

"Mum, do you know who sent this?" I ask, a slight frown creasing my face.

"It's from Kyle... Open it already! and it came with a note," she urges.

I read the note first:

Hey baby,
I saw this dress and it reminded me of you, so I got it.
I hope you like it...
See you at six...
Xoxo, Kyle ;p

I smile and open the box. Inside is a high-neck, scarlet-red dress with a double slit that reaches mid-thigh. Extra flowy, it sweeps the ground. The top half—ending just below my bust—features delicate lace detailing and an alluring open back with a strap that crosses my ribcage. In short, it's perfect!

I pair it with some gold sandal heels Amrita picked out and a matching clutch, and suddenly I'm dazzling.

Amrita works her makeup magic next—smoky eyes paired with bold red lips. When I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I hardly recognize this version of me; instead, I see an upgraded, radiant version.

By the time I've finished with my earrings, the doorbell rings again. Mum knocks on my door, and as Amrita answers, I can hear Kyle and Dad chatting downstairs.

I turn, and Mum's jaw drops.

"Omg! Baby, you look so hot—more than beautiful!" she gushes.

Cue the fireworks! She starts crying, and I rush to comfort her.

"Let me not keep you... Kyle's here, so come down soon," she says, drying her eyes.

"Okay, Mum," I reply with a smile.

Mum leaves, and I turn to Amrita.

"My little doll all grown up..." she teases, feigning tears.

"Stupid!" I roll my eyes, and we burst into laughter.

I gather my stuff and head downstairs, where Kyle is chatting with my parents. Dad's eyes widen when he sees me, and Kyle gives the same admiring look, while Mum gazes at me with pure admiration. Wow—I didn't know I looked that good.

"Woah!" Kyle breathes out.

Dad nods in silent agreement. Kyle helps me down the stairs, and I give him a quick peck on the cheek before hugging Dad, who's still awestruck.

"You look beautiful, little June," Dad says, filled with wonder.

"Thank you, Dad," I blush.

Kyle reminds everyone we need to get going, and we hurry to his car. He helps me with the door, and the moment he settles behind the wheel, he turns to kiss me.

"I had to do that... You look gorgeous, babe!" he grins from ear to ear.

I blush.
"Thank you," I murmur.

He drives off, and soon we're pulling into the driveway of his parents' mansion-like house.

"Seems like a pretty big deal to me," I remark.

"Yeah, it kind of is for them... I don't really care about this stuff," he shrugs.

He helps me out of the car and tosses an eager valet his keys as we step inside. Leaning in close, he says:

"Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just let me know, and we'll leave immediately, okay?"

"Thank you, Kyle."

"And... you're my most beautiful girl in any room we enter," he adds.

I blush as he kisses my cheek. We're soon swarmed by people as we move further into the house. Kyle introduces me to everyone, and before long, we find our seats. We're at the table reserved for the Sanders—which includes Vivian, who keeps giving me the side-eye. I just look away.

"I'm so sorry about that—I owe you a foot rub at the first chance I get," Kyle promises with a charming grin.

I love him so much, I am internally breaking, and dreading what's to come.

Guys do you know that underneath this chapter, there is a star button, and do you know when you click it, it turns orange 😲? Cool right?, you should totally try the magic 😉! 😚😚😚