The Box That Changed the Room
Cassandra Vale walked into class glowing.
Not the usual "good lighting" glow.
This was different.
Her skin looked smooth, radiant—like light itself was resting on her face. Even Serena, who rarely noticed such things, paused when Cassandra passed her desk.
Whispers followed instantly.
"Her skin looks insane…"
"What foundation is that?"
"No, that's not makeup—look at her pores!"
Girls gathered around Cassandra before the bell even rang.
"What are you using?" someone asked breathlessly.
"Drop the routine!" another begged.
Cassandra lifted her chin, lips curving smugly. Loud enough for the entire class to hear, she said,
"Oh, this?" She brushed her cheek lightly. "Luxen's new moisturizer."
The room went still.
Gasps followed.
"LUXEN?!"
"That brand is impossible to get!"
"I heard their waitlist is months long!"
Cassandra smiled wider, eyes flicking briefly toward Serena.
"Not everyone can get it," she added pointedly. "Some people just… don't have the access."
A few girls laughed quietly.
Serena didn't react. She only stared at her notebook, expression cool.
That's when the classroom door opened.
Lucien Reed walked in.
Late. Unbothered. Hands in pockets.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
He scanned the room once—then his gaze locked onto Serena.
Without acknowledging anyone else, he walked straight to her desk.
"Hey," he said casually. "Open this."
He placed a sleek black box on her table.
The Luxen logo was embossed in silver.
The class froze.
Serena blinked. "…Lucien?"
"Go on," he said, smiling. "It's yours."
Slowly, she lifted the lid.
Gasps erupted.
Inside was everything.
The complete Luxen skincare line.
Unreleased serums.
Limited-edition moisturizers.
And beneath them—
Makeup.
Foundation. Lip tints. Eyeshadow palettes. Brushes.
The room exploded.
"Oh my God—"
"That's the FULL SET!"
"Is that the unreleased line?!"
Cassandra's smile shattered.
Her face went pale as she stared at the box, disbelief etched into every feature.
Whispers turned sharp.
"Why does Serena have it?"
"Did Lucien get it for her?"
"Who is he?"
Serena looked up at Lucien, stunned, and whispered, "Why would you do that?"
He leaned closer, voice low. "Because you were supposed to be the first to try it."
Her breath caught.
Lucien straightened and glanced around coolly, his presence commanding silence without effort.
"Come on," he said to Serena, taking the box. "Let's go."
He escorted her out, past stunned classmates and a completely humiliated Cassandra, straight to the female restroom.
"Take your time," he said, handing her the box. "I'll wait."
When Serena stepped back into the hallway fifteen minutes later—
The world noticed.
Her skin glowed naturally, lips soft with color, eyes subtly defined. Not overdone. Not flashy.
Just… breathtaking.
Students stopped walking.
Both girls and guys stared.
"Wow."
"She looks unreal."
"Is that Serena Blake?"
Compliments came from everywhere.
Lucien's jaw tightened.
He watched a guy from the basketball team smile a little too long.
"…I regret this," Lucien muttered.
Serena laughed softly. "You're the one who made me do it."
He leaned down, voice possessive and amused. "Yeah. And I'm never letting you bring makeup to school again."
She smiled.
Behind them, Cassandra stood frozen, hands clenched, reputation bruised beyond repair.
And for the first time, the truth was undeniable—
Serena Blake didn't need Luxen to shine.
But Luxen?
It was hers.