Page 26 of With This Mask
Be a good girl and wear it.
Shit. My face instantly flushes at his words. He knows exactly what those two little words do to me. Want to melt Salem Winters? Apparently all you have to do is call her a good girl.
Relax, Salem, it’s just a dress. Can’t wait to see you in it.
He texts when I hesitate too long to find a response, his arrogance practically radiating through the screen.
"Asshole," I mutter under my breath, tossing my phone onto the bed. But as I run my fingers over the soft fabric, I know I'll wear the dress. And I hate myself for loving it.
The soft hum of laughter and anticipation fills the dorm room as my friends and I gather around the mirror, applying our makeup with expert amateur precision. Tonight is the gala, and despite my initial reservations about attending, I can't deny the infectious excitement in the air.
"Damn, Salem, you look smoking hot in that dress," Jess teases, nudging me playfully. I’ve missed her. We’re in different programs and we rarely see each other anymore. "Where did you get it?"
“Just some secondhand store across town,” I lie, hating that I do. But there’s no way I can admit the truth.
“I don’t think so,” Isabella says, cocking an eyebrow at me in the mirror. “That thing looks like it cost more than my parents entire bakery.”
“I bet I have some idea,” Jess teases. “Might it have something to do with a certain blond campus god?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I deflect as I apply my mascara.
"Come on, Salem," Lily, a friend from class chimes in, grinning mischievously. "I saw your presentation yesterday. Admit it, there's something between you two."
"Absolutely not," I snap, but a tiny smirk betrays my annoyance. The truth is, I'm nervous about seeing Alec tonight, wondering what he'll think when he sees me in the dress he bought. The mere thought of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine.
"Whatever you say, girl," Jess laughs, raising her hands in mock surrender. "But we all know there's more than just hate brewing between you two."
"Why are we talking about boys,” I snap, “when you’re walking around looking like a straight up fucking goddess?” And it has the desired effect. Jess is vain when it comes down to it and she loves attention. She strikes a pose, and we all laugh.
I so needed this. Some girl time with my friends. They mean so much to me. When I came to Westcroft, I didn’t know a soul. It felt so far away from home, and I felt so out of my depth. But one by one, I found the women who understood me. I can't help but feel grateful for these friendships, providing a much-needed respite from the harsh realities of Westcroft University.
Finally, as we walk to the gala together, I feel a mixture of anticipation and excitement coursing through me. The grand hall looms before us, decked out in opulence and extravagance that makes my stomach churn. This is a fundraiser. It’s what helps to fund scholarships like mine. It’s for the next generation. And there will be dozens of wealthy parents in attendance, past alumni, wealthy residents of town. And we’re all a spectacle to be seen.
"Ready to make an entrance?" Lily asks, a wicked grin spreading across her face.
"Let's do this," I reply, steeling myself for the night ahead.
The grand hall is a symphony of opulence and elegance, a dazzling display of wealth and sophistication that threatens to swallow me whole. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling like glittering stars, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of grandeur and nobility, transporting me to a different era.
Guests mill about in their finest attire, their laughter ringing like crystal chimes in the air. Women in flowing gowns of silk and satin glide gracefully across the marble floor, their jewels sparkling under the soft lights. Men in tailored suits stand tall and proud, their voices deep and commanding as they engage in animated conversations.
The tables are decked out with floral arrangements so vibrant and lush, they seem to come alive in a riot of colors. Crystal glasses glint in the candlelight. Waiters weave through the crowd, balancing trays of delectable appetisers.
I try not to, but I’m not actually that strong. My eyes immediately scan the room for Alec, but he's nowhere to be found. A flicker of relief dances through me, quickly followed by a surge of disappointment.
I shouldn’t care about his opinion of me in the dress he bought me, but I honestly can’t wait to see his reaction.
"Hey, are you okay?" Jess asks, concern etched on her face as she notices my distraction.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I reply, forcing a smile. "Just taking it all in."
"Well, let's go grab some drinks," she suggests, tugging at my arm. "Maybe that'll help take the edge off."
"Sounds good," I agree, allowing myself to be led away from the entrance.
The gala's opulence is suffocating, every sparkling chandelier and gilded decoration reminding me of the vast divide between my world and theirs. I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the sensation that I don't belong here.
"Take it easy, Salem," Lily murmurs into my ear, sensing my unease as she hands me some champaign. "You're just as deserving of being here as any of these rich assholes."