The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie Chapter 11

The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie Chapter 11

Before the graduation photo, the woman insisted on giving me the best memories.

She had her assistant deliver an evening gown and brought in a makeup artist.

“Everyone else dressed up,” she said. “Why wouldn’t you?”

Her beautiful eyes seemed to see right through me. She took my hand.

“Hazel, don’t let anyone make you feel bad about wanting to look beautiful, okay? Wear what you want. Don’t worry about what other people think. Besides, you’re absolutely radiant.”

I heard my heart pounding.

All those months chasing Ethan, getting rejected coldly every time, I didn’t cry. Because owning your feelings

isn’t embarrassing.

When Vera stained her skirt and I swapped without a second thought, tying my oversized gym shirt around my waist while people stared, I didn’t cry. Because getting your period is normal, and if Vera couldn’t handle

it, I’d take it.

Even when Liam mocked me in front of Ethan, I only teared up.

But I’d never felt this kind of hurt before.

Tears spilled down my face, completely unstoppable. Because honestly? What teenage girl doesn’t want to feel beautiful?

I was just so scared of the stares, the laughter, the vicious comparisons.

“Yeah,” Zane added, backing up his sister. He looked at me with quiet focus. “I want you to do what makes you happy, too.”

After my makeup was done and I stepped out in the gown, I heard familiar voices from the empty classroom next door.

“Ethan, I like you.”

Vera’s voice was sweet and coy.

“I know you like me too. I’ve been going back and forth between you and Liam… but I’ve made my decision. I want to be with you.”

Through the glass panel, I saw her playfully tug at his shirt.

She stepped closer and rose on her tiptoes, trying to kiss him.

I stumbled backward on instinct.

My heel caught the hem of the dress.

Bang. I knocked into the door.

Ethan rushed out, his face panicked. “Are you okay?”

I dodged his outstretched hand and shook my head. As I tried to leave, I heard his voice, hoarse and tight.

“Hazel, you heard what Vera said, didn’t you? Do you… have anything to say to me?”

He sounded strangely solemn. “I’ll agree to whatever it is.”

I stared at him, puzzled.

Two months ago, I would’ve seized that and demanded, Then be with me.

But now, I just gave him a calm smile. “Congrats. Hope it works out for you.”