The Girl in the Hoodie is Mine

AMBER POV:

Who the hell is she?

Watching from across the room, I felt my blood simmer as Jason entered with her on his arm. She was cloaked in mystery, that ridiculous mask covering most of her face, but her dress—that dress—was unmistakable. It was a Francis original. I’d know his designs anywhere, with his signature style that practically shouted his name to anyone with an eye for fashion. Francis wasn’t just some designer; he was the best, with gowns so exclusive he handpicked his clients.

How did she get her hands on one of his pieces? And why was Jason parading her around like that, with all those flashing lights and curious stares? This was supposed to be my night, my time to shine. I’d been planning everything perfectly, right down to the moment I’d finally corner him for that photo op.

Now, instead of the spotlight on me, all eyes were on her.

Okay, calm down, Amber. There’s no need to lose my cool—yet. She might be a celeb, after all. That dress, her association with Jason... she could be someone in the big circle, maybe someone who just returned from some glamorous sabbatical or a low-key heiress. And while I hated every second of watching her steal my spotlight, I had a reputation to maintain. The last thing I needed was to cause a scene.

As much as I wanted to march over there and rip that dress off her, I had a reputation to uphold. Everyone was watching, and Prescott’s daughter didn’t do petty scenes. Maybe there was a smarter play here. If I approached her, extended an olive branch, maybe I could figure out who she was. Once I establish that Jason is mine and she understands the hierarchy, maybe—just maybe—she could be brought into my circle. And if she’s truly someone noteworthy, a little strategic networking wouldn’t hurt. Who knows, she might even be useful in my circle of friends once she understands the pecking order.

But first, I’d need to work my charm.

ELLA POV:

Okay, that’s... a lot of photos. The cameras were already going off before I even stepped out of the car. Just as I was second-guessing my life choices, Jason opened the door for me—acting like a gentleman. Shocker, right? Wanna bet it was just so he could have a nice picture of us together? Gentlemanly act or a PR stunt? Hard to tell, but I wasn’t about to let my heart get fooled by this little "chivalrous" move.

So, where was I? Oh, right—the cameras. the flashing lights, the shouting photographers, the endless demands for one more shot. And you wonder why I hate these events? Jason, on the other hand, seemed to be basking in it, making sure they got every possible angle, practically inviting the photographers to snap even more shots of us. I swear, one hundred photos should be enough, but they kept clicking away like they were running a contest.

And the smiling... ugh, my face was already sore from keeping up the polite grin. I should’ve just worn a full mask—one that covered even my lips—so I wouldn’t have to keep smiling. That way, the paparazzi would’ve had no idea if I was even smiling or not. I wouldn’t have to smile for these vultures. What can I say? Sue me—I hate paparazzi.

Oh, great. Here comes Amber, strutting this way with her half mask, of course. She just had to make sure everyone knew exactly who she was, didn’t she? Classic Amber—she’d never pass up a chance to flaunt her "precious beauty." The mask barely covered anything, just enough to call it "mysterious" without actually hiding her face. Honestly, I could bet she wouldn’t hide that face even if her life depended on it.

It was almost funny watching her glide through the crowd, soaking up every glance like they were her due.

"Heads up, Romeo, your girlfriend is walking toward us," I said, glancing at Jason with a teasing smirk.

He followed my gaze, irritation flashing across his face. "She’s not my girlfriend," he murmured, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand.

"Yeah, well, keep telling yourself that," I replied, my tone light but laced with seriousness. "I just don’t want a confrontation with her in front of the reporters. Can we go inside now? You’ve already had enough photos taken to last you a lifetime."

I kept my smile plastered on my face, the kind of smile that was second nature for the cameras. What else could I do? It was part of the game, and sometimes, a girl had to put on a show to keep things from getting messy.

Jason’s POV:

Amber was really set on ruining my night. Why on earth was she coming this way? If only her father wasn’t partners with mine, we would have never gotten close. I said close, not girlfriend. Sure, we’d hooked up a few times before I got involved with Ella, but we were never exclusive. Amber liked it, I liked it, and that was that—just sex, nothing more.

But now my father was insisting I settle down, wanting me with the daughter of some influential business partner. Definitely not Amber. I think her dad was the overseas partner who I helped my father secure a lucrative contract with. That man was cold and all business, and I had no interest in being tied to someone like him.

The only girl I wanted was Ella. Not my father’s choice, not Amber—just Ella.

I steered Ella inside the grand hall, desperate to outrun Amber. I sure as hell didn’t need a dose of her drama tonight. Just as we entered, Max and Dylan appeared out of nowhere, bombarding us with their enthusiastic presence. Great. Just what I needed.

"Elly, you look absolutely beautiful!" Max exclaimed, leaning in to kiss her hand.

What was this, a medieval court?

"Yeah, you look stunning! I wouldn’t have recognized you if we didn’t know you were coming with Jason," Dylan added, flashing a grin.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, but I felt a flicker of pride at Ella’s beauty. Still, I wished these guys would take it down a notch.

Couldn’t they just leave me alone with my date? Ugh. Instead, they started steering Ella toward the champagne, and I felt a surge of irritation. Not wanting to be left behind, I followed them, muttering curses under my breath for the two jerks who called themselves my friend.

"Seriously, guys? Can’t you give us a moment?" I shot them an annoyed look as we approached the bar, trying to keep my frustration in check.

They only laughed, completely oblivious to my struggle.

AMBER POV:

Where the hell did they go? Ugh, this night was so not going as I’d hoped at all. Now I felt like a complete fool, standing here aimlessly, a target for every man with a potbelly looking to strike up a conversation. It was like I could predict my own doom. Just as I feared, one of them was heading my way. Yuck.

Just then, I spotted them. Dylan and Max were crowded around her, laughing and chatting like she was the center of the universe. Who the hell was this girl, anyway? What kind of magic did she possess to draw in the sons of some of the most influential people in the country?

It was infuriating.

Just then, Abi, one of my friends, reached me before the potbellied guy could make his approach. Thank God for small favors.

"Who is that girl with Jason—and now with Max and Dylan?" she asked, her eyes glinting with jealousy and disdain. "Is she a celebrity? Because that dress screams Francis. Jason wouldn’t bring a cheap girl to an event like this, right?"

Before I could respond, another one of my friends, Lisa, joined the conversation. "Has anyone seen that hoodie girl wannabe? She’ll be the most poorly dressed person here. What can a waitress afford, anyway?"

Yeah, where the hell was Ella? I wondered, feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity.

"Excuse me, ladies. Let me go see who that girl is and show her how things run in this country," I declared, pushing past them with a determined stride as I made my way toward where Jason was.

I pushed my way through the crowd, my heart racing with a mix of irritation and curiosity. As I neared Jason and the others, I could see her clearly now—despite her mask, she was looking effortlessly beautiful and far too comfortable with the guys. It was infuriating.

"Jason!" I called out, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "Mind if I steal you for a moment?"

He turned, surprise flashing across his face. "Amber, what’s up?"

"Just wanted to say hi and see how things are going," I said, my gaze shifting to the mysterious girl. "And to get to know your new friend here." Just then Max and Dylan burst out laughing. What was so funny?