Chapter 54: Chapter 54

"Are you okay?"

James' concerned voice pulled me out of my daze, jolting back to reality after the shock of seeing the video of Samantha and Romeo. I looked up from the phone with my eyebrows furrowed.

I gave a tight - lipped smile, trying to hide my emotions. I was feeling different emotions right now, a mix of anger and confusion. I didn't want James to notice. So I faked it till I made it.

"Are you really okay, Ivy?" My mom's voice echoed in my head. I could feel her concern too.

I smiled, though it felt forced. "I'm fine, mom, really."

Then I turned to James. "Shall we get going?" I questioned him.

James responded quickly, eager to make his exit. "Definitely! Let's get the party started!"

I nodded, trying to shake off the negative vibes from the video. I took a deep breath, determined not to let anything spoil my mood. I was going to have an amazing time, no matter what.

As we entered his car, James turned to me, his brows furrowed with concern. "You seem pretty distracted after that notification. I hope everything is alright. You know, if you've having second thoughts about the party, just be honest with me. I'd rather want you to speak your mind." He rambled.

I met his gaze, my eyes softening. I was struck by how caring he was, being supportive and considerate, while the person who'd upset me wasn't even worth a second thought. I couldn't help but feel foolish for letting that jerk get to me.

I reached over and gave his arm a little squeeze. "It's alright. I just remembered something and I'm over it now. No point in letting it spoil the rest of the evening. I'm totally good." I said, a genuine smile spread across my face.

James leaned back in his chair, studying me like I was a previous gem. "You're so beautiful." He breathed.

I blushed, my cheeks turning a shade of pink. "You know this isn't the first time you've laid eyes on me," I teased, my laughter filing the car like music.

His gaze lingered on me, as if he was commiting my features into memory. "Every time I see you, you just look more and more beautiful," He muttered under his breath.

I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, feeling shy under his gaze. "Well, you're already giving me all sorts of butterflies," I chuckled softly.

His eyes gleamed brightly as he sat up, his gaze lingering on me a moment longer before focusing on the road. "You make me happy," He murmured in a husky voice.

After a steamy few minutes in the car with James, we rolled up to a romantic little spot that he had picked for what I termed "a pre party rendezvous". I actually protested in the party about him bringing me here. He should not have bothered himself. But, he insisted that he wanted to. James was such a perfect gentleman.

It was a quiet restaurant. As I stepped into the restaurant, I was taken aback by the sheer elegance of the space. The warm glow of candlelight cast a soft halo around the room. The tables were set with crisp white linen and adorned with white flowers, while classical music played softly in the background.

My heart fluttered when I realized that we were the only souls in the restaurant. That told me something. James booked this restaurant just for us. Coming from a wealthy family, he had the resources to pull off something like this. But the fact that he went out of his way to impress me left me in awe.

I turned around. I was startled to find him standing right behind me, so close that I could feel his presence like a physical force. I started, "You shouldn't have done all - "

Before I could finish, he stepped closer, his fingers gently touching his lips. "You have no idea what I'm capable of," He whispered.

His voice was smooth as silk as he asked, "So, do you like this place or what?" He asked.

My lips curved into a smile as I replied, "Why would you ask me such a question? This place is stunning. I like it."

A grin spread across his face, his ego clearly stroked by my praise. "I'm glad I made the right choice," He responded, unable to hide the happiness in his voice.

We walked over to a table, where a bottle of sparkling white wine glistened like liquid diamonds. We took our seats, the aroma of the wine filled the air.

I knew that this evening was more than a casual hangout. I knew something was about to happen. James was definitely angling for something more. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying every second of it.

As the evening came to a close, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off. I was expecting him to make a move. Probably, ask me out or something. Not that I was sure of what I would say if he asked me out. I just wanted him to say whatever was on his mind. But, the night just ended.

Now, it was time for the school party. I was this close to calling it a night and heading home, but that promise to my best friend, Joey, was hanging over my head. So, with a sigh, I resigned myself to going to the party, despite feeling a little worn out and like I'd already had my fill of excitement.

The drive to the party was in silence with just the melodious song playing from the car radio. James didn't say a word, he already sensed that I was kind of tired.

When we pulled up to the party venue, I brought out my lipgloss and applied it on my lips. At least, my lips should look shiny and attractive.

The blaring rock music. The strong scent of booze and cigarettes. The displays of some couples making out.

Yep, a typical high school party. Now, I should get ready for the chaos that comes with it.

James leaned in close, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered. " I'm going to make sure you have a good time tonight." He uttered.

But just as a smile crept across my face, I caught sight of those forest green eyes - the same ones that haunted me in that video Samantha sent to me.

Talking of the devil, Samantha also appeared. My hands tightened into fists as she sat down beside Romeo.

Romeo's gaze was locked onto me with an intensity that almost made me uncomfortable. I stared right back, refusing to back down, but then Samantha met my eyes too. Her hand causally ran through his perfect hair sending a chill down my spine as she shot me a playful wink. The petty power play was obvious, and it lit a fire in my chest.

Without a second thought, I whipped around and kissed James with an urgency that shocked even me. My lips crashed against his. The kiss was bold, fierce and deliberate. It was a silent "screw you" to the queen bee and the dumb prince charming of the school.

I pulled back, looking into James' eyes. "Promise I'll have a good time tonight." I whispered.

"I promise." James whispered back.