Catherine's POV
The moment I got into my room, I walked straight to my vanity, dropped my bag, and sank into the chair, my reflection staring back at me. My cheeks were flushed, and my eyes were too bright in a way I couldn't explain.
I let out a quiet laugh, tilting my head. "Don't be stupid, girl," I muttered at the reflection of myself in the mirror. "He's your stepbrother. Inviting you to a party means nothing."
Before I could overthink any further, my phone rang and I groaned. "Finally, a goddamn network in this room."
The moment I answered the call, Tessa's voice exploded through the speaker before I could say hello.
"Girlll! What did I hear happened in school today? You're seriously cut out for drama this semester, and honestly, I'm living for it! First few weeks of college and you're already trending. You might just become the next IT girl."
I groaned softly, dropping my chin in my palm. "Please don't start, Tess. I don't want to be the next "it" whatever. I just want a normal first year but bad luck just keeps finding me."
"That's because you're not boring, girl," she shot back. "Anyway, speaking of drama, there's this huge birthday party tonight. The rich kids are throwing it off-campus, and I got an invite. You're coming?"
I hesitated, fingers tracing the edge of my vanity, until it hit me. "Actually… Julian invited me to a party too."
The squeal that burst through my phone nearly deafened me. "Don't tell me it's the same one! Catherine, that's definitely it! Oh my goodness, I can't believe Julian invited you to that party. Babe, you have to come."
I laughed nervously. "You say it like it's a big deal."
"Weill it is! You have to come and listen, you're gonna have to dress to kill."
I frowned. "Tessa, I don't think I can. You remember what happened last time with Sasha? I don't want to go through that again," I sighed as the memory hit me. "I'm not ready to be humiliated again."
"Oh no, no, no." Her voice dropped into a firm tone that was half scolding, half sisterly. "Catherine Brown, listen to me. You're not hiding this time. If Sasha wants to start something, you stand on your ten toes and fight back. Don't let her think you're scared."
I smiled faintly at her choice of words. "Stand on my ten toes, huh?"
"Exactly," she said, laughing. "Now promise me you'll come. You can't skip this one."
I smiled faintly, knowing she wouldn't stop until I agreed. "Fine. I'll come."
Tessa squealed again. "Yesss! I can't wait to see you, babe. You're gonna steal the spotlight."
The call ended, leaving me in a quiet room that suddenly felt too small. I stood and stared at my open closet, at the rows of clothes.
Hours passed in a blur of indecision and chaos. My bed was buried under rejected outfits, sparkly tops, mini skirts, everything that felt too much.
Then my eyes landed on a garment bag hanging near the closet door, one of the things Mom had bought before we moved here. I had sworn never to wear any of it. They were all designer pieces, too extravagant for me, too not Catherine.
With hesitant fingers, I unzipped the bag and revealed a black satin Versace slip dress. It was sleek, backless, and dangerously short. The moment I slipped it on, the fabric molded against me perfectly.
At exactly nine, six hours later, I found myself standing outside Julian's room, heart pounding against my ribs. I raised my hand to knock, but before I could, the door swung open.
Julian stood there, eyes widening slightly and his expression faltering for a split second before he caught himself.
He just stared with no smirk or words, just that unreadable expression.
"I didn't think you'd actually agree to come," he said finally, leaning against the doorframe.
I lowered my head with a small smile. "Me neither. But I didn't want you thinking I'm a total nerd."
That earned me a laugh. "Trust me," he said, motioning for me to follow, "that's the last thing I'd ever think."
He stepped out, pulling the door shut behind him. He was in his signature all black, dark jeans, a fitted shirt, the kind of look that made him look effortlessly sharp.
My world! Julian Vaugh should have his name on the Guiness book of record for always looking so hot and handsome without having to do much.
"Ready?" he asked, tilting his head toward the hallway.
I nodded, though my nerves screamed otherwise.
We were halfway down the stairs when Gabriel's voice cut through. "Whoa, hold up."
We both turned. He was at the bottom of the stairs, leaning against the railing, a can of soda in his hand. His eyes flicked from Julian to me and then back again.
For a second, he didn't say anything. He just stared.
Then he gave a low whistle. "Okay, what is this? Since when do you two hang out?"
Julian stuffed his hands into his pockets, unfazed. "We don't. I just asked if she wanted to come to a party."
Gabriel's brows lifted, clearly amused. "You? Inviting anyone? Miracles do happen."
Julian ignored the jab, but I could see the faint smirk tugging at his mouth.
Gabriel turned his attention to me slower and softer. His gaze trailed over my dress, the Versace catching faint light. His expression shifted with curiosity, surprise, and something else I couldn't place.
"You look… different," he said finally. "In a good way. Didn't think you could pull up such baddie looks."
I smiled awkwardly. "I'm not, usually. I just decided to try something new."
"Hmm." He nodded, but his eyes didn't leave mine. "You look so hot. Guess Julian has that effect on people."
That tone was light and teasing but it still carried something underneath, like jealousy but I quickly shook that thought away. I felt I was becoming crazy or something of that sort.
Julian raised an eyebrow. "Don't start, Gabe."
Gabriel shrugged. "Relax, man. Just saying, I didn't know we were sharing invites now."
I blinked, glancing between them. It felt like there was something unspoken in the air.
Julian finally exhaled sharply. "We're gonna be late."
He motioned for me to follow, and I did, though I felt Gabriel's gaze on my back the entire way to the door.
"Hey, Catherine," Gabriel called just before we stepped out.
I turned. "Yeah?"
He smiled faintly, one corner of his mouth lifting. "Have fun. And… maybe you could give me a call if you get bored of my brother."
Julian shot him a look, half amusement, half warning, before pulling the door open.