The hallway slowly emptied as students left for their next classes, but the whispers didn't stop.
Everyone had heard about the invitation.
Everyone was talking about it.
Amara stood still, staring at Adrian like he had just turned her life upside down.
"Say something," Adrian said calmly.
Amara finally found her voice.
"You just invited me to a royal gala… in front of the whole school."
Adrian shrugged slightly.
"It wasn't planned."
"That makes it worse."
Adrian didn't look bothered.
Amara sighed and ran a hand through her hair.
"This is crazy."
Adrian waited patiently.
"Well?" he asked after a moment.
Amara hesitated.
Part of her wanted to say no immediately.
The gala sounded like a world she didn't belong in—full of rich people, cameras, and royal rules.
But another part of her was curious.
A royal gala…
Something she had only seen on television.
Still, she shook her head.
"I can't."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Why not?"
"For many reasons," Amara said quickly. "I don't have a dress, I don't know anyone there, and your fans at school already hate me."
Adrian thought for a moment.
Then he said something simple.
"I'll take care of it."
Amara frowned.
"Take care of what?"
"The dress."
Amara blinked.
"You can't just buy me a dress."
"Why not?"
"Because that's weird!"
Adrian looked slightly amused.
"It's a gala, Amara. There's a dress code."
"That's not the point."
Adrian leaned against the wall casually.
"You're overthinking it."
"I'm thinking normally."
Before the conversation could continue, another voice suddenly interrupted.
"Amara?"
Both of them turned.
One of the school staff members stood a few steps away.
"Principal Williams would like to see you in his office."
Amara's heart skipped.
"The principal?"
The staff member nodded.
"Now."
Amara glanced nervously at Adrian.
"Did I already get in trouble on my first day?"
Adrian didn't seem worried.
"Probably not."
Amara wasn't convinced.
She slowly walked toward the principal's office, her mind racing.
Why would the principal want to see me already?
When she reached the office door, she knocked softly.
"Come in," a voice said.
Amara stepped inside.
Principal Williams sat behind his large desk, but he wasn't alone.
Another man stood near the window.
He was tall and dressed in an elegant black suit.
The moment Amara entered, the man turned toward her.
His sharp gaze studied her carefully.
Principal Williams smiled politely.
"Amara, thank you for coming."
Amara nodded nervously.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
The principal gestured toward the man.
"This gentleman works for the royal palace."
Amara's eyes widened.
"The… palace?"
The man stepped forward.
"My name is Mr. Laurent," he said calmly.
"I was sent by the royal family."
Amara's heart started beating faster.
"Why?"
Mr. Laurent's expression remained professional.
"His Royal Highness informed us that he invited you to attend the royal charity gala this weekend."
Amara slowly turned pale.
He already told the palace?!
Mr. Laurent continued.
"If you accept the invitation, the palace will arrange everything necessary."
Amara swallowed.
Everything was suddenly becoming very real.
Very fast.
Now she had to make a decision.
Would she really attend a royal gala…
As the crown prince's guest?