Amara stared at Adrian, still confused by his sudden question.
"Are you busy this weekend?" he repeated calmly.
Amara crossed her arms slightly.
"That depends."
"On what?"
"On why you're asking."
For a moment, Adrian simply looked at her, as if deciding how much to say.
Then he spoke.
"There's a charity gala this weekend."
Amara blinked.
"A… what?"
"A royal charity gala," Adrian said. "My family hosts it every year."
Amara immediately shook her head.
"That sounds like something for rich people."
"It is."
"And you're asking me why?"
Adrian didn't hesitate.
"Because I want you to come with me."
Amara almost laughed.
"You can't be serious."
"I am."
Amara stared at him in disbelief.
"Your Royal Highness, I'm a scholarship student who just started here today. I don't have fancy dresses or connections or whatever people wear to royal galas."
"You don't need any of that."
"Yes, I do."
Adrian remained calm.
"You just need to show up."
Amara shook her head again.
"This is a bad idea."
Before Adrian could reply, a loud voice suddenly interrupted them.
"WHAT?!"
Both of them turned.
A group of students stood nearby, staring at them in shock.
One girl covered her mouth.
"Did the prince just ask her to a gala?"
Within seconds, whispers exploded across the hallway.
"Oh my God."
"This is insane."
Vanessa had just walked around the corner.
The moment she heard the word gala, she froze.
Her eyes slowly turned toward Adrian and Amara.
"What gala?" she demanded.
One of the students answered quickly.
"The royal charity gala."
Vanessa's face went pale.
Everyone knew about that event.
It was the biggest royal event of the year.
Celebrities, politicians, and international guests attended.
Vanessa had spent years dreaming about going.
And now…
Adrian had just asked Amara.
Vanessa stepped forward, her voice shaking slightly.
"Adrian… you're joking, right?"
Adrian didn't look at her.
"I don't joke about invitations."
The hallway fell silent again.
Vanessa's nails dug into her palms.
"Why her?" she demanded.
This time Adrian looked at her.
His voice was calm but firm.
"Because I asked her."
Vanessa's face burned with humiliation.
Meanwhile, Amara was still trying to process everything.
"This is crazy," she whispered to Adrian.
"It's just a gala."
"For you maybe."
Adrian leaned slightly closer to her.
His voice lowered just enough so only she could hear.
"Think about it."
Amara swallowed nervously.
Because something told her that saying yes to the crown prince…
Might change everything.
Behind them, Vanessa watched with furious eyes.
And one thought repeated in her mind.
If Amara goes to that gala…
I'll make sure she regrets it.