Gray Areas | Englot | GxG

8. First

Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY

9 Years Ago, Senior Year

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Charlotte strolled down the corridor with Marima, Heidi, and Tina, all cheering as she held two trophies in her hands.

A few students had already started leaving the school one by one, glancing curiously at the excitement.

"Amazing! I mean, Best Dressed was a sure win, but first place in the fashion show too? Wow!" Tina exclaimed, pulling Charlotte into a playful hug that made her laugh.

Charlotte had been chosen to accept both awards: Best Dressed and first place in the women's fashion show category. It wouldn't have been possible without the $6,000 Oscar de la Renta gown and nearly $2,000 Saint Laurent heels, courtesy of none other than her nemesis, Engfa Waraha. Charlotte had tried to protest, but Engfa hadn't listened. On Sunday, she'd only said, "Nothing's too expensive for class. You deserve it, and if it makes you shine, it's too cheap, Charlotte."

A year ago, hearing that from Engfa would have felt like pure arrogance. But this time, Charlotte found herself blushing, momentarily stunned, and all she could do was nod quietly with a small smile.

Of course, she'd return both the dress and heels. There was no way she could keep them.

"Charlotte..." Engfa's voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her back to reality. She turned to see Engfa approaching with a soft smile.

Heidi, Tina, and Marima exchanged grins and knowing nods.

"Char! Congrats again, girl! But I think the three of us are calling it a night. See you tomorrow at school?" Heidi grinned, and before Charlotte could respond, they were already walking away, tossing Engfa a teasing look as they left. Engfa raised an eyebrow, watching them go before shifting her gaze back to Charlotte.

"Your friends are full of energy, Charlotte," she said with a chuckle.

Charlotte gave a small nod, offering a shy smile, but then remembered something, "Oh, you probably want to remind me about the dress, right-"

"No." Engfa's gentle smile held a hint of mischief, making Charlotte pause in surprise. "I just wanted to say congratulations. You were... stunning."

Charlotte's cheeks warmed instantly, and she looked away. It was happening more often lately-Engfa saying things that made her feel something she couldn't quite explain.

She was about to respond when she noticed a woman approaching them: one of the fashion show judges, the owner of Grand International, and Engfa's mother. Her presence was commanding, every step filled with elegance.

She stopped in front of Charlotte, casting her a measured look before turning to Engfa. "Engfa, why didn't you tell me you had such a talented friend like Miss Charlotte Austin?" she said with a gracious smile.

Engfa nodded, a touch reserved. "Yes, Mom, now you've met her. She's talented. And smart."

Charlotte shook her head modestly, "No, Mrs. Waraha. I'm just an ordinary student."

Engfa's mother studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Quietly humble. A bit naive. But elegant. An unusual combination... not entirely convincing, yet fortune seems to smile on you."

Wow. So that's where Engfa got her arrogance, Charlotte thought.

Engfa forced a polite smile in response. "I'm finished here. I'll take Charlotte home." Charlotte blinked, surprised-they hadn't discussed her giving her a ride.