Chapter 4

Gaston's grin froze, his eyes darkening.

The others just stared, wide-eyed; a few even rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

Like they couldn't fathom this glamorous vixen being the same "sweet and innocent" girl they'd always known.

"Holy shit, is Jackson blind or what?" someone finally whispered, breaking the tension.

"Essie's straight-up mesmerizing..."

"That girl's only nineteen—pure as the driven snow. No way she stacks up to Essie's vibe. If it were me..."

"But Essie looks completely transformed today..."

"If Jackson saw her like this, he'd probably kick himself..."

I caught those whispered comments, a bitter taste flooding my chest.

So,…