Mia’s POV
The moment Diego introduced Layla and Scarlett as my stepbrothers’
cousins, I knew their presence wasn’t going to make my life easier. Still,
I forced a polite smile and attempted to welcome them.
“Let me know if you need anything while you’re here,” I offered, hoping
to at least keep the peace.
Layla’s lips twitched into a small smile, though it was more
condescending than kind. “How sweet of you, Mia,” she said. “But I
think we’ll manage just fine.”
Scarlett didn’t even bother to smile. Her sharp gaze lingered on me for a
moment before she turned away, already losing interest.
The weight of their judgment pressed on me as I excused myself and
hurried back to my room. Shutting the door behind me, I leaned against
it and exhaled deeply.
Trouble. That’s all I could sense from them. Trouble wrapped in designer
clothes and perfected smiles.
But I wasn’t going to let them ruin my night.
The midnight blue dress shimmered as I held it against the light. The
fabric was a soft, silky material that draped elegantly, hugging my figure
without feeling too tight. It had a modern design with a sweetheart
neckline that accentuated my collarbones, and the thin straps sat
delicately on my shoulders. The dress flared slightly at the bottom,
stopping just above my knees, making it perfect for a party.
I slipped it on, letting the cool material glide against my skin. Turning to
the mirror, I smoothed the fabric and took in my reflection. For the first
time, I didn’t see the timid girl who hid behind loose, shapeless clothes.
Instead, I saw someone… confident, someone who could stand tall even
in a room full of people.
I let my hair fall in loose waves over my shoulders and added a touch of
makeup, just enough to enhance my features. When I was done, I stepped
back and stared at my reflection.
“This is who you are,” Ima whispered in my mind. Her voice gave me the
push I needed.
A knock at the door made me jump slightly, but I smiled when I opened it
to find Tristan standing there.
The moment he saw me, his breath hitched. His eyes roamed over me,
not in a disrespectful way, but as if he were truly appreciating what he
saw.
“You look…” He paused, as if words had failed him. Then he stepped
closer, taking my hand in his. “Absolutely stunning. Like the stars
themselves couldn’t compare to you.”
My cheeks flushed, and I tried to look away, but he lifted my hand to his
lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles.
“This dress,” he said, his voice low, “was made for you. But honestly,
Mia, you could wear a sack and still outshine everyone else in the room.”
I couldn’t help but laugh softly, the tension in my chest easing. “You’re
being dramatic.”
“I’m being honest,” he replied, his lips curling into a smile. “You’re
beautiful, and tonight, no one will be able to take their eyes off you.”
His words sent a warmth through me that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He offered his arm, and I looped mine through his, feeling a small thrill
as he led me out of the house.
Just as we were about to leave, the sound of heels clicking against the
floor made us both turn.
Layla and Scarlett appeared, dressed to the nines in figure-hugging
gowns that screamed high fashion. Layla’s golden curls were perfectly
styled, and Scarlett’s dark waves shimmered under the light.
“Oh, are you leaving already?” Layla asked, her tone light but pointed.
“We were hoping to join you.”
Tristan’s expression tightened slightly, though he didn’t say anything at
first.
“We wouldn’t want to impose,” Scarlett added, though her tone made it
clear that imposing was exactly what they intended to do.
My stomach twisted as they looked at me, their perfect smiles not quite
reaching their eyes.
“It’s fine,” I said quickly, not wanting to cause a scene. “They can
come.”
Tristan turned to me, his brows furrowing. “Mia, this is your night. You
don’t have to-”
“It’s okay,” I interrupted, forcing a small smile. “Really.”
His jaw tightened, but he nodded, though I could tell he wasn’t happy
about it.
The cousins wasted no time slipping on their shoes and grabbing their
bags. Layla clung to Tristan’s other arm as we walked out to the car, her
laughter ringing in the night air.
While I glanced back to see, if those stepbrothers were around.
It was strange they can’t be seen anywhere.
“You look handsome tonight, Tristan,” she said, her voice dripping with
charm.
“Thank you,” he replied curtly, his gaze forward.
I watched them out of the corner of my eye, noting how Layla leaned a
little too close, her hand brushing against his arm as she spoke. Scarlett,
meanwhile, hung back slightly, her sharp eyes flicking between me and
her cousin with thinly veiled disdain.
Ima growled softly in my mind. “They’re trouble.”
“Tell me about it,” I muttered under my breath.
Tristan must have noticed my discomfort because he placed a hand on
my back, guiding me toward the car.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly.
I nodded, though my chest felt tight.
As we got into the car, Layla slid into the seat beside Tristan, her
laughter filling the small space as she leaned in to whisper something to
him.
“Is she his mate?” I thought, the question clawing at the back of my
mind. She was beautiful, charming, and clearly confident in her ability to
grab his attention.
“You’re overthinking,” Ima said, her voice firm. “Trust your instincts.
Tristan wouldn’t let anyone overshadow you tonight.”
I exhaled slowly, trying to let Ima’s words calm me.
Layla turned to me, her smile bright. “You must be so excited for the
party, Mia. It’s such a big night, and you look… cute.”
“Thanks,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
Scarlett snorted softly from the other side of the car.
Tristan’s hand briefly brushed against mine, drawing my attention back
to him. “Remember what I said earlier,” he murmured. “You’re the star
tonight.”