Chapter 8 Eyes That Don't Forget

The morning came with a strange hush, the morning light reflected lazily on the bed. Elara had been awake long before the sun began to rise. She sat at the edge of her bed, already dressed in a soft beige top and high-waisted trousers Genevieve had left out for her the night before.

Her fingers traced the edges of her class schedule,printed and reprinted so many times it had lost its stiffness. She'd stared at it until the numbers stopped meaning anything.

Her phone buzzed once.

She snatched it up, breath caught in her throat but it was just an app notification.

No messages. No calls. Not from Lily. Not from anyone.

She set it down face-down.

Rising, she crossed to the mirror, studying herself. She practiced a smile.

Too forced.

She tried again.

Blank.

Then she gave up.

You're not going there to explain, she reminded herself. You're just going to show up. Taking one last look at herself-soft curls framing her face, gloss barely shimmering on her lips. Normal. Or at least, trying to be.That's enough.

She wasn't sure what she expected out of that day.

Still She grabbed her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and stepped out into the hallway.She met Genevieve on the way,who in turn greeted her politely and took her bag from her.

Despite Elera's attempt to stop her but she later gave in.

Genevieve didn't say much as she handed Elara her bag and coat. Cain waited by the car,The sleek black vehicle gleamed under the estate's sweeping archway.Cain

silent as ever, though his eyes briefly searched hers.

"Don't feel like you have to go in," he said, voice low. You can turn around anytime.

Elara offered him a small smile,"If I turn around now, I never go back."

He opened the back door without a word, and she slid in.

The drive was silent for a while, just the faint hiss of morning radio playing from the front.

Elara stared out the window, watching the city wake up. Familiar streets. Familiar noise. And yet, everything looked slightly out of focus.

When they arrived at the acting academy, the car pulled to a quiet stop near the curb.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted her coat, the soft wool brushing against her wrists like reassurance she didn't feel.

Cain's SUV idled quietly behind her. He didn't speak, didn't rush her. Just waited, like a ghost in a black suit behind tinted windows.

Finally, Cain spoke - his voice steady, not prying.

"I know it's not in my place but you don't have to go in unless you're sure."

She smiled, Thank you Cain.Unconciously tightening her grip on her bag.

Cain gave a small nod.parked across the street and glanced back.

"I'll be here when you're done."

Okay .

Elara drew in a breath and pushed open the doors and stepped out, heels clicking softly on pavement. The sun had just risen high enough to catch on the windshield, making the vehicle shimmer.

A couple of students outside glanced over.

"Who's that?" one whispered.

"Dunno. But that car? Damn."

Those who recognized her whispered among themselves "She's back?"

"God, she looks different..."

The building looked the same - tall glass windows, warm wood doors, and the smell of too much coffee and too little air. Giving luxury.

She stepped inside.

The hallway still looked the same.

Posters still clung to the walls. Headshots. Announcements. A flier for last semester's production still taped to the bulletin board, curling at the edges.

She had barely stepped into the main studio when she heard it.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up."

The voice belonged to Jade-a tall, willowy blonde with too much confidence and not enough kindness. She leaned against the mirror wall, arms crossed and lips twisted into a smirk.

Elara ignored her as usual and walked into the classroom.

As she neared the door, she heard them:

"Wait, is that...?"

"No way. I thought she dropped out."

"She vanished."

"She looks... different."or is just me?

Elara straightened her shoulders and walked in.

She's probably late because she's too busy pretending to be Mrs. Depressed," Jade muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Cut it out," someone murmured, but Jade only tossed her hair.

Just then, the instructor, Maxwell, walked in. Usually distant and neutral, today his eyes landed on Elara and softened.

Heads turned.

"Elara Williams," he said, like he wasn't sure she was real. "Welcome back."

She gave a polite nod and scanned the room for an empty chair. Most of the seats were filled already. She walked to the back corner-her old seat-and slipped into it without making eye contact. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag.

Jade scoffed.

Elara didn't respond. She kept her eyes on the instructor as he cleared his throat.

"We have another new student joining us today," he announced.

The door opened behind him.

A girl stepped in - tall, slender, with red dyed hair and a cascade of curls that bounced as she walked. She wore an emerald-green jacket over black tights and boots that didn't care for noise.Her presence filled the room like perfume.

The girl looked around, scanned faces without flinching.

"This is Cat Clinton," the instructor said. "Transferred from Chicago's Fine Arts Academy.

"Cat, say hi to your classmates."

"Hi."

"Wait. Cat? You mean Cat like the animal Cat?" Jessica asked with a smirk, probably to mock the new girl.

"Well yes, You've got a problem with that?," The New girl responded with a dare on her face.

The whole class went,"Wooooooohhhhhhhh".

A student at the back sit shouted ,guess Jade has met her equal.

Everyone laughed at that.Except Elara who only smiled.

Jade couldn't respond and could only scoffed.Then eyed the girl.

Mr Maxwell tried to regain order in the classroom. "That's enough everyone".

"Cat, why don't you partner with Elera," Maxwell instructed. She'll guide you through the scene exercise today.

you'll be sitting beside Elara."

Of course. Give the new girl to the girl who disappeared," Jade muttered under her breath, but not low enough.

And was ignored.

Elara flinched slightly, then schooled her expression as Cat turned toward her with a smile.

"Hey," she said, sliding into the seat. "Guess we're partners now."

Elara nodded once. "Guess so."

The instructor clapped once.

"Alright. Let's begin."

We're doing partner scenes today. Vulnerability. Raw emotion.I wanna feel it.If you don't make me feel something, I'll cut you off mid-line. That's your only warning."

Everyone groaned.

Mr. Williams pointed.

"Jade and Brandon. Elara and... Cat."

Jade stood sharply. "Of course," she muttered again. "Always a spotlight for her."

Elara and Cat moved to their corner, reading through their lines. Cat seemed kind, if a little shy, but it was clear she admired Elara's poise.

When it was their turn to perform, Elara stepped forward, her lines memorized, her emotions raw and close to the surface after the morning she'd had.

The scene was intense. A confrontation between sisters. Grief, betrayal, forgiveness. Her voice cracked in just the right places. Her tears weren't faked.

And when it ended, the silence in the studio was heavy.

Then-applause.

Even Maxwell looked impressed.

Jade looked ready to scream.

That was wonderful.

Y'all are improving and Elera,you came back fully prepared didn't you.

Elera could only smile.Thanks Mr.Maxwell.

"He nodded.You're welcome.

They all went back to their various seats.

Well, that'll be all for today guys," Maxwell said.Then left the classroom.

Cat turned to Elara and cleared her throat trying to start a conversation.

Elera looked at her.She must have been so nervous,but she didn't show it, she thought. Since it was her first day at the school and she was already acting a scene. She herself was so nervous at first, but anytime she got into character she switched, and anyone would have thought she was a professional.

"You were so damn good," Cat said.Anyone would have thought you were a pro.

Elara laughed. "Thank you. You too."

"I don't think we've officially introduced ourselves."

Elara Williams.

Cat Clinton.She extended her hand for a shake.Nice meeting you

And for the second time that morning,Elara smiled. "Nice meeting you too."

Cat nodded. "Same here."

"And has she always been like that?"

"Who? Jade?"

"Yeah," Cat said, looking at Jade, who in turn was glaring at them both.

Yes. As far as I know. The best thing to do is to ignore her, whatever she does,Elara said.

Cat replied,guess she's one of those spoilt brats.who are always craving for attention.she said it loud enough so Jade could hear.

Jade only scowled.

Don't let her get to you. Cause trust me, she'll try her best to get a reaction from you. Just let it roll off your back.

Cat nodded, smiling. "Thanks.

Later that afternoon,as the class emptied out,Elara had just taken a sip from her boxed juice when a dramatic sob erupted from across the room.

The fake cry startled her, and she nearly dropped the drink.

"Oh my God!" a student at the back gasped,eyes wide, phone in hand.

"What happened?" her friend leaned over, concern in her voice.

"Wolfe Adrian is married?" the girl half-asked, still scrolling.

Another student across the row tilted her head. "Wait, are you serious?" She opened her own phone. "It's true. It's all over the internet .But... no name.who's the wife?"

At that moment, Elara choked on her drink.

All eyes snapped to her.

She coughed into her sleeve, then looked up, blinking with wide eyes. "Sorry," she croaked out, forcing a laugh. "Went down the wrong way."

The room fell into a strange hush. Suspicion floated heavy in the air.

Jade, lounging at her desk, tossed her pen on the table with a dry chuckle. "With the way you're acting, someone would think you were his wife."

The sarcasm in her tone was sharp.

Then, eyes narrowing, she added with a scoff, "But please. That could never happen. Adrian Wolfe?" Her laughter rang out cruelly. "Look at you. That'd never happen in a million years."

A few others chuckled awkwardly, eyes darting between Jade and Elara.

Elara pressed her lips into a tight smile, her nails digging into her palm beneath the desk.

Jade leaned in with a mock-pitying voice. "Don't worry though. Maybe you'll play a billionaire's wife on stage someday. Dream roles, right?"

The comment stung sharper than it should've. But Elara didn't flinch.

Instead, she brought out her phone to confirm the news herself. Her fingers tapped the screen rapidly, searching - and there it was. A blurred paparazzi photo of her and Adrian at the estate gates. The headline read: "Mystery Bride? Billionaire Adrian Wolfe Rumored to Be Married in Secret Ceremony." Her heart thudded as she read the short article. No name mentioned. No confirmation. But it was enough to stir the world.

Without thinking, her fingers hovered over her messages. Then she typed:

Elara: You said we'd keep it private. What happened, Adrian?

She stared at the screen, then hit send before she could second-guess it.She has been too nervous that morning to even think about him.

She then turned her face to the window, letting the noise dull around her.

Because if they ever found out the truth?

It'll definitely get out of control

This laughter would turn to fire.

And Elara wasn't sure who'd survive the burn.