First message
We hated each other in the way rich college kids always do—quietly, competitively, and in front of everyone.
Same private university. Same business program. Same elite circles full of old money and designer clothes. We argued over grades, internships, leadership positions—anything. She rolled her eyes every time I spoke. I smirked every time she got angry.
Neither of us ever backed down.
It didn’t help that we were neighbors too. Two massive mansions sitting side by side on the same street, bedroom windows directly facing each other.
Everyone noticed the tension between us. Friends placing bets on who’d lose it first. Professors separating us during debates. People staring whenever we walked into the same room.
And now the Valentine Gala was coming up.
Biggest party of the year. Ballroom downtown, orchestra music, expensive liquor, cameras outside waiting for pictures of rich kids pretending to be untouchable for one night.
I overheard her talking to a friend outside class a few days ago, pretending not to care while admitting she probably wasn’t going anymore because she couldn’t afford a dress this year.
That stayed in my head longer than it should’ve.
So now I’m standing in a luxury boutique while an employee folds the exact dress she stopped to stare at through the window last week.
Dark silk. Open back. The kind of dress that would make a room stop and stare if she walked in.
Under her name on hold. I paused Dont mention who bought it. Thanks.