After Highschool

one of the wealthy kids in her class. But unlike her classmates, Ashley wouldn't be attending as a guest. She was here to work, wearing a crisp white shirt and black jeans, not as a choice but

ly shaped lips. Her face, once radiant, now bore the marks of hardship-stretch marks and dark circles that hinted at sleepless nights. She

ing an outsider in a world of opulence. She walked into the house, only to be met with a pointed glare from Emil

e not here for the party," Emily sne

r smirk widening. "Oh, that's right-you're one of the waitresses." She laughed,

uckles as he led her toward the kitchen. "W

itchen. A few other staff members were already there, preparing for

Ashley took the uniform, her fingers tightening around the fabric. This job was her choice,

-

ripple of excitement among the guests. He rarely attended school events, preferring to keep his distance from his classmates.

ooks and elusive charm. Emily, spotting him from across the room, felt her hea

er opening line. But as she drew closer, Fred's gaze dr

or a brief second before his eyes mov

d, responded eagerly, "I'm E

omewhere over her shoulder. "Actually,

, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Ashley froze, unsure whether to laugh or leave. She'd s

to him. "Hey, aren't you in our class?" he

ns usually ended. Instead of responding, she turned to leave. But Fred's hand shot out, c

staff?" he asked, looking genuinely curious. "Wou

d said she didn't need a mask-another subtle way to humiliate her. She l

ensing her discomfort. His gaze lingered on her

with exhaustion. Fred released her, his own emotions a conf

something hauntingly beautiful about it, a calmness hiding years of unspoken pain. Fred h

y. She couldn't stand the idea of Ashley, of all people, drawing Fred's att

halting the party's rhythm. "Attention, everyone!" She smiled wickedly

ging knowing glances. Ashley felt the heat of humiliation rise, but she kn

barb meant to humiliate. Ashley's heart pounded. She glanced toward Derek,

ead held high. Ignoring Emily's smug grin and the whispering crowd, she stepped forward, standing tall amidst the l