Aaron said nothing to Keeley about the returned earrings, but the day before the dance, a large box awaited her on the doorstep when she arrived home.

Inside was a burgundy A-line, off-the-shoulder dress. The bodice was dotted with diamonds (she'd learned her lesson after the earring incident; there was no way they were fake), and layers of tulle flowed asymmetrically from front to back, below the knee.

Keeley didn't even want to consider the cost, but that wasn't all. A pair of silver stilettos and the earring box she'd returned were also inside.

"Why?" she whispered to the empty air, sinking to her knees.

Why was this happening? What did this egomaniac want from her? He'd even looked up her real address! He hadn't been like this before!

Did he only lavish extravagant gifts on women he wasn't dating? Honestly, it made a sad kind of sense.

Keeley finally texted him back: "I'll apologize for what I said if you stop doing this. I really can't accept any of it."

He responded immediately: "It's my money to spend, not yours. I want you to dress up tomorrow."

He'd spent all that money just to see her dressed up. She felt sick. No. She wouldn't give in.

Besides, she already had a dress she'd rented from a secondhand shop for $49. It was pearl pink, sleeveless, with lacy flowers on the bodice and a chiffon skirt that fell to her knees.

Aaron's dress was dazzling, but hers was still cute. Besides, her naturally light blonde hair looked good with pastels, and she refused to let him win.

He didn't speak to her until the end of literature class on Valentine's Day, whispering huskily, "See you tonight," into her ear, making her jerk back in alarm. It was going to be a very long day.

The rest of Keeley's classes crawled by, and she barely had time to go home and gather her outfit, makeup bag, and hairstyling tools before making herself up in the hotel bathroom between decorating and the dance.

The homemade decorations weren't terrible, but they looked out of place in the fancy banquet room. It would probably be fine once the lights were dimmed.

Overcome with fatigue and nerves, Keeley almost fell off a ladder while hanging glitter hearts. She was halfway down when someone's hands caught her back, preventing her fall at a 45-degree angle.

"Jeffrey," she sighed with relief. "You saved my life! What are you doing here an hour early?"

"Relieving you so you can get ready," he said cheerfully, helping her down.

He was already wearing a white shirt and slacks with a light pink tie borrowed from his dad. "I've got your corsage, but you can see it later."

With a bright smile, she thanked him and scurried off to change. Keeley hummed as she curled her hair and applied lipstick.

She wasn't alone in the bathroom—other members of the decorating committee trickled in to make final adjustments before their dates arrived.

Satisfied with her appearance, she rejoined Jeffrey and held out her wrist for the simple pink rose corsage.

"You look nice," he said shyly.

"Thanks, you too."

They walked onto the dance floor. It really did look better with the lights off. The glitter scattered tiny fragments of light across the room, creating an ethereal effect.

The band was lively, and people danced awkwardly in clusters to a popular song. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

Lydia spotted her friends and waved them over. Her auburn hair was in a classy bun with loose ringlets, and her satin plum-colored dress flowed to the floor. Her date was a cute, freckled boy Keeley recognized from science class.

"Jonathan, these are my friends, Jeffrey and Keeley," Lydia introduced. "We're all getting pizza afterward."

He smiled. "Nice to meet you. Shall we?"

The four of them found a space on the dance floor and let loose.

Keeley relaxed in a way she hadn't since—well, ever. Nothing like catchy music and a lively crowd to forget your troubles.

She was actually enjoying herself, goofing off with Jeffrey and letting him spin her around. She waved her hands in the air, jumped to the beat, and cheered along with everyone else as a student breakdanced.

Thirsty, Keeley went to get a drink. She eyed the punch bowl warily, remembering her previous experience at the dance. Lacy wasn't around. Perhaps she wasn't a target this time. Keeley opted for lemonade and avoided the punch entirely.

Her vigilance returned as she surveyed the dance floor. Her friends seemed unconcerned by her absence. Max leaned against a wall, talking to other diplomats' children. Aaron was nowhere in sight. But Lacy was marching toward the drinks area with a determined look.

Keeley was determined to avoid a confrontation. She had no reason to pick a fight! It felt good to brush past her former enemy and return to her friends.

Keeley knew Lacy Knighton was a coward. She'd never confront anyone in front of a group. Avoiding a one-on-one encounter was easy in such a crowded place.

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