Emily Carter adjusted the thick black frames of her glasses as she navigated the crowded halls of Westbrook High. The chatter and laughter around her formed a constant hum, but Emily preferred to retreat into her quiet bubble, a fortress built of books and solitude. Her oversized gray sweater hung loosely over her slender frame, a deliberate shield against the noisy world that often felt overwhelming.
She slipped her fingers around the worn spine of her science textbook, hoping no one would notice her small stature or shy demeanor. It was easier that way — blending in, invisible, unnoticed. Nobody looked twice at the girl who spent lunch hours buried in books or doodling quietly in the margins of her notebook.
What no one at Westbrook High knew was that Emily lived a double life.
Thousands of miles away from these fluorescent-lit hallways, in a sleek Manhattan penthouse overlooking Central Park, Emily Laurent was a name whispered with reverence in the fashion world. She was the mastermind behind L'Essence, a cutting-edge fashion label worn by celebrities and socialites. Every gown she designed was a masterpiece of elegance and innovation. Magazines clamored for her interviews. The industry hailed her as a prodigy.
But none of that mattered here.
The bell rang sharply, and the students began to surge toward their next classes. Emily ducked behind a pillar, adjusting her glasses to hide the slight flush on her cheeks.
"Hey, Carter," a familiar voice called out.
Emily froze. It was Jake Hunter — Westbrook High's golden boy. Tall, effortlessly handsome, and always surrounded by admirers. His sandy hair fell just right, and his smile could melt the toughest hearts.
Emily lowered her gaze.
"You forgot your book again?" Jake teased, grinning.
Emily's voice caught. "I… I don't think so."
Jake laughed softly. "Well, you looked pretty focused on it."
His warmth made her heart flutter uncontrollably.
"See you in biology," he said, before turning away.
Emily watched him go, a mix of awe and hope swirling inside her. Could Jake, the boy every girl dreamed of, ever see the real Emily — the one behind the glasses?