Cassie's POV
The late afternoon sun spilled into Cassie Quest's room like liquid gold, warming the marble floors and catching the edge of her full-length mirror. Her room looked like something pulled from the pages of a high-fashion magazine—soft blush walls, floor-to-ceiling windows veiled in sheer cream drapes, and a walk-in closet that could rival a boutique. Designer bags lined the top shelves. Shoes, all heels and sparkle, were color-coded like candy.
She was perched on her velvet headboard, legs stretched out in front of her, one hand scrolling through her phone, the other twirling a lock of her platinum-blonde curls.
Buzz.
A new message blinked at the top of the screen. Group Chat: The Power Four.
Mary: Cassie, should we come to yours before the party?
Cassie smirked. Predictable.
Mary was always the first to text. She was the strategist of the group—sharp, smug, and wore her sarcasm like lip gloss. Hair always in a slick ponytail, lashes curled to the heavens. Born for the camera.
Cassie tapped back a quick reply.
Cassie: No. Going with my "step-sister." Meet you girls there.
She made sure to type step-sister in quotations.
Almost immediately, the chat lit up.
Grace: Ew. Are you serious?
Of course Grace would say that. Drama queen of the group. Honey-blonde with baby blue nails and a voice that rose three octaves when she was excited—or pissed. She lived for gossip, chaos, and over-the-top eyeliner.
Judy: I can't imagine that for you, babe.
Cassie chuckled. Judy was the softest of them—petite, always in pastels, and usually tagging along with a soft "same" or "yikes." But don't let the pink fool you—she had a vicious tongue when the claws came out.
Cassie tossed her phone aside and stood, her bare feet landing soundlessly on the plush carpet. She walked over to the open wardrobe, eyes scanning the options. Silks. Sequins. Florals. Black lace.
But today needed something more distractingly perfect.
She pulled out a two-piece set—sky blue bomb shorts that hugged her hips and a matching halter-style bikini top, bedazzled just enough to catch the sunlight. She laid them on the bed, stepping back to admire the shimmer. Then came the accessories—silver hoops, a layered anklet, and rhinestone-studded slides. The final touch? A pair of oversized white-rimmed sunglasses she'd wear on her head like a crown.
She turned to the mirror and posed.
James won't know what hit him.
A slow, confident grin spread across her face.
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Blair's POV
The air in Blair's room was still, save for the soft rustle of leaves outside the window. Afternoon had painted the Thames in streaks of orange and pink, but Blair hadn't moved in hours. She lay sprawled across her couch, Poppy asleep at her feet, her phone resting on her chest.
She finally sat up, the quiet weight of her thoughts heavy on her shoulders. Where do I even start?
Her fingers brushed across the edge of her closet door. It creaked softly as she opened it, revealing an elegant row of dresses. Nothing flashy. Nothing loud. Just simple silhouettes in soft fabrics. She picked out a white floral-print sundress that fell just above her knees, the fabric light and floating. The flowers were tiny, blush pink and pale green, like something painted with watercolors. She pulled her curls into a half-up twist, letting the rest fall around her shoulders.
Then she reached for her phone.
The lock screen lit up. A picture of her and Amanda. Their arms looped around each other, cheeks pressed together, snow in their hair. They were laughing. Genuinely, fully.
She stared at it for a long time.
No message. Not a single one since I left.
Blair swallowed the ache rising in her throat. Maybe I really did leave everything behind.
She locked the screen and tossed the phone face-down on the bed.
"Come here, Pops," she murmured, scooping up the puppy. Poppy licked her cheek and wagged her tail, her tiny body wriggling with joy.
Blair giggled, the sound catching even her by surprise.
She sat on the floor, letting Poppy nuzzle into her lap, her fingers rubbing behind the puppy's ears.
But eventually, she sighed. "Okay, okay. We have to face the world."
She slipped on a pair of white flats, grabbed a small rose-colored shoulder bag, and gave herself one last look in the mirror. No makeup. Just soft lip balm and the smallest shimmer of highlighter on her cheekbones.
She wasn't trying to impress anyone. She just wanted to survive the evening.
Downstairs, she waited by the door, arms crossed loosely, eyes trailing the golden patterns in the marble beneath her.
Cassie would be down any minute.
And Blair? She had a feeling today was going to stretch forever.
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Cassie's POV
Cassie descended the grand staircase, each step a quiet click against the polished marble, the sunlight pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows catching the gleam of her rhinestone slides. Her hair bounced lightly with every confident stride, the sky-blue bomb shorts hugging her hips perfectly, the matching halter bikini top peeking under a sheer white cover-up tied lazily at her waist. Silver hoop earrings glinted at her ears, and a delicate anklet chimed softly around her ankle.
At the bottom of the stairs, she spotted Blair.
Cassie slowed, her gaze sweeping over her "step-sister" almost without meaning to.
Blair was perched on the arm of a velvet chair, one hand absently scrolling through her phone, the other clutching a small rose-colored purse. She wore a simple, soft white sundress scattered with tiny pink and green flowers. It nipped in at the waist and floated around her knees like a watercolor painting come to life. Her dark curls were half-twisted back, a few soft tendrils framing her delicate face.
How does she manage to look good in everything? Cassie thought, a twist of reluctant admiration curling in her chest. I didn't even tell her what kind of party it is.
Blair looked up and caught Cassie's stare. She offered a polite, almost shy smile.
"Good morning," Blair said, her voice light.
Cassie adjusted her sunglasses on her head and shrugged, her voice casual. "Morning. It's already successful—we're up, dressed, and late. Let's go."
Without waiting, Cassie led the way, hips swaying slightly, the confident queen in her own movie.
Outside, the sleek black Range Rover gleamed in the driveway, engine humming softly. The driver, an older man in a smart navy uniform, quickly opened the doors for them.
Just as they were about to step inside, a voice floated from above.
"Enjoy your day together, girls!" Lily called from the upper balcony, waving, her hair shining in the sun.
Victor stood beside her, one hand resting lightly on the iron railing. "Take pictures," he added with a rare, warm smile.
Cassie threw a lazy hand up in acknowledgment, and Blair, ever polite, smiled and waved properly.
Then, without a word, they both slid into the car, the cool leather seats sinking under their weight.
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Blair's POV
The car rolled smoothly down the long, winding driveway, the iron gates parting before them like magic. Blair pressed her forehead lightly against the window, watching the manicured hedges blur into the wild stretch of the city beyond.
She exhaled slowly, heart fluttering with a strange cocktail of nerves and excitement.
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Cassie.
Cassie looked... breathtaking.
The sunlight poured in from the windows, catching the shimmer of her sky-blue outfit. Her bomb shorts were short enough to show off endless legs, toned and tan, and her bikini top gleamed under the loose cover-up. Every inch of her screamed effortless glamour—from her glinting earrings to the casual way she scrolled through her phone, texting rapidly with a smirk playing at the corner of her glossed lips.
Blair smiled to herself.
Thank God I chose this dress, she thought, adjusting the hem nervously over her knees. At least I don't look completely out of place.
She hadn't known what kind of party they were headed to—Cassie had been too busy being Cassie to explain anything—but now it was obvious. Probably a pool party. Maybe a big one. With Cassie dressed like that, there was no way it was just a small hangout.
Blair's stomach fluttered again—not with nerves this time, but excitement. New people. New memories. Maybe today won't be so bad after all.
Poppy's tiny pink collar jingled softly from her bag on the floor, and Blair smiled even wider.
Cassie, meanwhile, barely looked up, her thumbs flying over her screen.
Group Chat: The Power Four
Cassie: On my way. Hope y'all are looking as good as me.
Mary: Girl, we are the moment.
Grace: Cassie, bring your A-game. James is there already.
Judy: Y'all. Y'all. Y'ALL. I can't wait.
Cassie smirked, heart racing a little faster.
James is already there.
Today was going to be perfect.
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