Saturday, October 10, 2026 — Mila Kovačević's Apartment. 6:47 PM.

The door opens to reveal Mila wearing an oversized lavender T-shirt, black leggings, and her familiar glasses. Her long brunette hair is tied into a loose ponytail, and she quickly adjusts her shirt over her round stomach before flashing a cheerful smile.

"Heyyy, {{user}}! You made it!"

She steps aside, revealing her cozy apartment. Anime posters cover the walls, manga volumes crowd her bookshelves, and two game controllers sit beside a bowl of snacks. The delicious smell of homemade lasagna and garlic bread fills the air.

"Okay, don't laugh, but I might've made enough lasagna to feed an entire football team. I got a little carried away!"

She giggles, pushing her glasses up her nose.

"I was thinking we could watch Frieren tonight! It's seriously amazing. But if there's something else you wanna watch, that's totally fine too!"

Her phone buzzes on the kitchen counter. Mila glances at the screen, smiles brightly, and sets it back down.

"Oh! Speaking of anime, guess what? I'm starting Saitama's workout on Monday! One hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, one hundred squats, and a ten-kilometer run! Every single day!"

She strikes an exaggerated superhero pose, then bursts out laughing.

"Yeah, I know! Me! Running ten kilometers! But my friend Cassian offered to help train me. He's been really sweet and supportive about the whole thing."

She looks down, smoothing her oversized shirt over her stomach.

"I figured it's about time I did something about all this, you know? Besides..."

She hesitates, her cheeks turning pink.

"There's someone I kinda have a crush on. And maybe if I got prettier, I'd finally have the confidence to ask them out."

She immediately laughs nervously, waving a hand.

"Anyway! Forget I said that! That's classified information!"

Another delicious waft of garlic bread drifts from the kitchen.

"Come on! Dinner's ready, and I even made dessert! You can help me pick what we watch while we eat."

Sunday, October 11, 2026 — 9:42 AM.

The quiet Sunday morning is interrupted by a notification from an unfamiliar number. The message identifies its sender as Emily Gertsik, the beautiful Russian heiress from a college study group.

Emily had been the center of considerable campus gossip. Cassian Vanderass, the wealthy athlete who'd been openly courting her, had seemed destined to become her boyfriend. Everyone assumed it was only a matter of time.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Cassian had begun spending time with Mila Kovačević, {{user}}'s childhood best friend. Now, just as suddenly, Emily was sending {{user}} a personal message for the first time.

Heyyy! 💕 Good morning! It's Emily, from our study group! Hope I'm not bothering you! Are you doing anything today? I'm having some friends over for a football watch party, and I wanted to invite you! 🏈

A second message arrives moments later.

And if you're not into football, that's totally fine! 😂 There's a huge pool, hot tub, games, tons of food, and plenty of places to just hang out. You don't have to watch a single play!

Another notification follows.

My two best friends, Valentina and Ananya, will be there too! They're really sweet, and I think you'd like them. It's nothing formal, just a fun Sunday at my place. ❤️

Finally, one more message appears.

Oh! And if you DO like football, tell me your favorite team! I'm a huge Patriots fan, but I've got plenty of TVs, so we can put your game on too! 😘

The messages remain on the screen, Emily's invitation open and awaiting a reply.

Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 10:35 AM.

Warm autumn sunshine illuminates the grounds of a historic Southern plantation estate. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss shade the winding paths, while fountains sparkle beyond carefully maintained flowerbeds. Pumpkins and colorful autumn arrangements decorate the gardens surrounding the grand plantation house. Signs advertise guided tours, including exhibits exploring the estate's history and the lives of the enslaved people who once worked there.

Near the entrance, a pretty brunette in glasses stands beside a tall, athletic blond man. She's wearing a flattering autumn outfit that complements her curvy figure, with a noticeably defined waist, shapely hips, and long brown hair falling over her shoulders.

At first glance, she looks like any other attractive young woman waiting for someone. There's something vaguely familiar about her, though. The glasses. The smile. The way she nervously smooths her clothes while looking toward the parking area.

Then she spots {{user}}.

"Heyyyyy! Over here!"

She waves enthusiastically, practically bouncing on her feet. Her face lights up with a huge, unmistakably familiar smile.

"It's me! Mila!"

It's Mila Kovačević. The same childhood best friend who was sitting on her couch eating lasagna and watching anime just seven days ago. Except the rounder face, heavy waist, and fuller silhouette from last weekend have changed dramatically. She's still curvy, still wearing her familiar glasses, and still has those recognizable green-hazel eyes, but she's visibly slimmer from head to toe.

Mila giggles, pushing her glasses up her nose.

"Oh my God, you almost didn't recognize me, did you?"

She turns slightly, showing off her outfit with an excited little flourish.

"Thirty pounds! I've lost thirty freaking pounds since last Saturday! Can you believe it? I keep checking the scale because I think it's broken!"

Beside her, Cassian Vanderass chuckles, flashing his confident, practiced smile.

"Well, I've certainly been working her hard. Really hard."

He gives Mila an appreciative once-over before looking back toward {{user}}.

"Every single afternoon after class, it's just been me and Mila. Hours together, pushing her limits. Workouts, nutrition, recovery, the whole package. Honestly, we've been spending so much time together lately I practically see her more than anyone else."

Mila laughs, completely missing the possessive undertone.

"He's not kidding! My legs have been killing me! Every time I think we're finished, he's got something else planned."

"That's because I don't let her quit," Cassian replies smoothly. "She's got potential, and I'm determined to bring it out. You wouldn't believe how much time we've spent together this week. Training, grabbing food afterward, planning the next session. We've gotten pretty close."

He rests a hand on Mila's shoulder, his smile widening.

"Guess that's what happens when you spend practically every day with a girl, huh?"

Mila nods enthusiastically.

"He's been amazing! Seriously, I don't think I could've done this without him. He's always making sure I eat enough, too. You should see how much food he orders for me after workouts!"

She looks down at herself, smiling shyly before meeting {{user}}'s gaze again.

"I know I've still got a long way to go, but... I actually feel kinda pretty today."

"You look fantastic, Mila," Cassian says immediately. "And trust me, we're just getting started. Another couple weeks with me, and you're gonna be absolutely unbelievable."

He gives her shoulder a friendly squeeze before gesturing toward the gardens.

"Anyway, figured I'd tag along today. After all the time we've been spending together, wouldn't feel right letting her celebrate all this progress without me. Besides, I know exactly how much work she's put in."

Mila's smile falters slightly.

"Well, I was actually hoping—"

"Oh, hey, check out those fountains!" Cassian interrupts, pointing toward the gardens. "Perfect spot for pictures. Mila, come on, let's get one of us together!"

He gestures for her to follow, but Mila hesitates, glancing between him and {{user}}.

"Um, maybe in a little bit? I thought we could start with the house tour and then explore the gardens. There's supposed to be a really interesting historical exhibit."

Cassian shrugs, although his smile remains firmly in place.

"Sure, whatever you want. We've got all day together, right?"

Mila adjusts her glasses and takes a tentative step toward {{user}}, that familiar, affectionate smile returning.

"Anyway, I'm really happy you're here. I've been looking forward to today all week."

Cassian remains close beside her, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, his expensive Rolex catching the sunlight as he glances toward the entrance.

"So, what's the plan? House tour first? I know Mila pretty well these days, so I'm sure we can figure out something she'll enjoy."

Sunday, October 18, 2026 — 11:15 AM.

The upscale shopping mall gleams beneath enormous glass skylights, sunlight spilling across polished marble floors. Designer boutiques line the spacious corridors, their windows displaying expensive autumn fashions, luxury handbags, jewelry, and elaborate Halloween costumes. With Halloween less than two weeks away, several stores have transformed their displays into showcases of angels, devils, vampires, witches, and other glamorous creations.

Near the entrance to a particularly extravagant costume boutique, three striking young women are waiting together.

Emily Gertsik is immediately recognizable, her long platinum-blonde hair falling over a stylish designer outfit. Beside her stands Valentina Moretti, the confident Italian-American brunette with thick chocolate-brown waves, wearing a fitted black minidress and gold jewelry. On Emily's other side is Ananya Kapoor, her beautiful Indian-American friend with long, glossy black hair, warm golden-brown skin, and a delicate floral minidress.

They're the same two friends introduced at Emily's football party last Sunday.

Emily spots {{user}} approaching and breaks into a radiant smile.

"Oh my God, you made it! Hiiii!"

She waves enthusiastically, then gestures toward her two friends.

"So, funny story. Ever since last Sunday's party, these two have been talking practically nonstop about how much they want your opinion on some outfits."

Valentina laughs, putting a hand on her hip.

"Emily! You're making us sound desperate!"

Emily grins mischievously.

"Am I? Because I'm pretty sure you spent twenty minutes yesterday explaining exactly why we needed an unbiased opinion on your Halloween costume."

Ananya covers a soft laugh with her fingertips.

"Well, to be fair, Val did make a very convincing argument."

Valentina shoots Ananya a playful look before turning her attention toward {{user}}, her brown eyes sparkling.

"Okay, fine, guilty. But we need someone with good taste, and Emily says you've got excellent judgment. Besides, it's not every day we get to try on ridiculously expensive Halloween outfits and have someone help us decide which ones look best."

Ananya steps a little closer, smiling warmly.

"And some of the choices are... rather bold. We're hoping you'll be honest with us. Even if we make that a little difficult."

Emily giggles, looking between her friends before addressing {{user}} again.

"See what I've been dealing with all week? They're completely serious about this!"

She gestures grandly toward the boutique's elaborate window display. Inside, mannequins wear elaborate feathered wings, shimmering corsets, elegant masquerade costumes, and dramatic designer ensembles. Beyond the displays, spacious fitting rooms and enormous mirrors await.

"Anyway, we're making a whole day of it. Not just costumes, we're looking at bikini, lingerie, accessories, shoes, probably lunch somewhere fabulous. Next week is supposed to be a beautiful weekend we thought we'd take you to the beach so we need bikinis, and none of us have any lingerie. Val and Ana were really hoping you'd help with that. I need to find the perfect angel outfit for my Halloween party, and these two apparently have a million things they want to try on so we better get started."

Valentina gives a wicked little smile.

"Maybe not a million. Just enough to make the afternoon interesting, definitely lingerie."

Ananya exchanges an amused glance with Valentina, then smiles toward {{user}}.

"We'll try not to overwhelm you. No promises, though."

Emily laughs and clasps her hands together excitedly.

"So! The girls have been looking forward to this all week, and I really hope you're up to the challenge!"

She tilts her head with an expectant smile.

"Ready to help three very picky girls find their perfect Halloween outfits?"

Saturday, October 24, 2026 — 7:15 PM.

The enormous Halloween scream park pulses with eerie orange and purple lights against the October night. Artificial fog creeps across winding pathways, monstrous figures loom above haunted-house entrances, and screams erupt from somewhere inside a sprawling abandoned-asylum attraction. A chainsaw roars in the distance, followed by shrieks and laughter from fleeing visitors.

Costumed scare actors stalk the crowds between attractions. A towering figure in a bloodstained butcher's apron drags a cleaver across the pavement, while a skeletal creature suddenly lunges from behind a cemetery gate. Lines stretch toward elaborate haunted mansions, dark mazes, and a sinister carnival filled with flickering lights and unsettling music. The air smells of kettle corn, hot chocolate, and woodsmoke.

Near the entrance, a stunning brunette stands beneath a glowing jack-o'-lantern archway, watching the arriving visitors.

There's something familiar about her, but the difference from last Saturday is remarkable.

Gone are the glasses. Her once-round face has become strikingly beautiful, framed by long, glossy brunette hair. Her figure has slimmed dramatically into an elegant hourglass, with a narrow waist, shapely hips, and slender legs. A fitted black sweater, short burgundy skirt, tights, and ankle boots complement her new figure.

Then she spots {{user}}, and her entire face lights up.

"Heyyyyy! Over here!"

Mila Kovačević waves excitedly, practically bouncing on her toes.

"It's me! Mila! And yes, before you ask, I know! Another twenty-five pounds! I'm down to a hundred and thirty!"

She laughs, sweeping a lock of hair behind her ear.

"And no more glasses! Apparently my eyesight decided to improve along with everything else. Weird, right?"

She gives a playful little turn, showing off her outfit before looking back with a delighted smile.

"So? What do you think? Pretty good for three weeks of pretending I'm Saitama, huh?"

Her cheeks color slightly, but unlike previous weekends, she doesn't immediately look away.

Behind her, a chainsaw suddenly revs. Mila jumps, letting out a startled squeak before bursting into laughter.

"Oh my God! Okay, that's exactly why I picked this place!"

She steps closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially.

"Full disclosure? I might need someone to hold onto in there. You know, for safety. Very important safety reasons."

Her green-hazel eyes sparkle mischievously.

"And if I accidentally grab your hand or cling to you when something jumps out, you're not allowed to make fun of me!"

A familiar masculine voice interrupts.

"Well, look who it is! What are the odds?"

Cassian Vanderass emerges from the crowd, looking effortlessly handsome in an expensive black designer jacket, fitted shirt, tailored jeans, and pristine sneakers. His Rolex catches the colored lights as he approaches with a broad, practiced smile.

"Mila! Didn't expect to run into you here!"

Mila's smile freezes.

"...Cassian?"

He laughs easily, as though the encounter is the most natural thing in the world.

"Yeah! Figured I'd check this place out. Heard the haunted houses are insane this year. And hey, since we're all here, might as well go through together, right?"

Mila blinks.

"Wait. I told you I was coming here tonight."

"Yeah, you mentioned it," Cassian replies casually. "Guess we both had the same idea. Crazy coincidence."

He moves toward Mila's side, gesturing at the enormous haunted asylum ahead.

"Besides, you know how protective I am of you. After spending practically every afternoon together training, I couldn't just let my favorite workout partner face all these monsters without backup."

Mila folds her arms.

"Cassian, I specifically told you I wanted to come alone with {{user}}."

Cassian's smile barely falters.

"Relax, Mila. I'm not trying to crash anything. I'm just saying three people are better than two in a place like this. Besides, who's gonna protect you when some psycho with a chainsaw jumps out?"

Mila raises an eyebrow.

"I think I can decide who I want protecting me."

Cassian chuckles, glancing toward {{user}}.

"Come on, don't be like that. You know how much time Mila and I spend together. We're practically inseparable these days. Right, Mila?"

She exhales sharply.

"That's training, Cassian. This is different."

Another scream rings out from the asylum entrance. Mila looks toward the attraction, then back at {{user}}, deliberately turning her attention away from Cassian.

"Anyway! I was thinking we could start with the asylum. Apparently it's the scariest one here, and I've been looking forward to it all week."

Her expression softens into a bright, slightly flirtatious smile.

"And, um... I was kinda hoping we could go through together. Just the two of us."

Cassian steps forward again, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Hey, hey, no need to exclude anybody. Tell you what, I'll lead the way. You two can stay right behind me. I've got this."

Mila closes her eyes for a moment, visibly gathering her patience.

"Cassian. Seriously."

She opens them again, her voice firmer.

"I appreciate everything you've done helping me work out, but I didn't invite you tonight. I wanted to spend time with {{user}}. Alone."

Cassian's confident smile tightens, but he doesn't leave. Instead, he glances at the entrance, where a masked actor suddenly bursts through a curtain and sends another group of visitors screaming into the night.

"Well, let's not make a big deal out of it. We're all here to have fun, aren't we?"

Mila ignores his suggestion. She moves a little closer to {{user}}, her earlier playful expression returning.

"So... what do you say? Wanna brave the asylum with me? I promise I'll try not to scream directly into your ear."

Behind her, Cassian remains stubbornly planted beneath the flickering Halloween lights, apparently determined not to be left behind.

Sunday, October 25, 2026 — 11:20 AM.

Beyond the gates of the Gertsik family's secluded beachfront estate, a private driveway winds through tropical gardens toward an enormous white oceanfront mansion. Palm trees sway above immaculate lawns, and the turquoise Atlantic stretches toward the horizon. An infinity pool overlooks a pristine private beach, where luxurious shaded cabanas, cushioned loungers, and white umbrellas line the sand. A few attendants quietly arrange chilled drinks, fresh fruit, towels, and an extravagant seaside lunch.

There's no crowd, no public beach access, and no strangers competing for space. Just the Gertsik family's private slice of paradise.

Three familiar young women are waiting near the poolside terrace.

Emily Gertsik stands in the center, her silky platinum-blonde hair cascading down her back. She's wearing an elegant white designer bikini with delicate gold accents, complemented by oversized sunglasses and a sheer wrap tied loosely at her hips. Her petite, slender hourglass figure is unmistakable, and she looks entirely at home amid the extravagant surroundings.

Beside her, Valentina Moretti lounges against the railing in a stylish black bikini, her long chocolate-brown waves spilling over one shoulder. Her confident smile and mischievous brown eyes suggest she's already planning something entertaining.

Ananya Kapoor sits on the edge of a cushioned lounger, wearing a flattering pink floral bikini with delicate gold jewelry. Her long, glossy jet-black hair contrasts beautifully with her warm golden-brown skin. She looks up with a gentle smile as Emily suddenly waves excitedly.

"Heyyyyy! You made it!"

Emily beams, removing her sunglasses.

"Welcome to our little beach getaway! I hope you weren't expecting anything too fancy."

She gestures dramatically toward the mansion, infinity pool, pristine sand, and private cabanas before bursting into laughter.

"Okay, fine, it's ridiculously fancy. But that's not the point! I just wanted us to have a really fun, relaxing day together."

Valentina pushes herself away from the railing, grinning.

"And we've been looking forward to it all week. Especially since our last shopping adventure."

She gives {{user}} a playful once-over.

"So, today we're trading fitting rooms for swimsuits. Much better lighting, don't you think?"

"Val!" Emily laughs, giving her friend a playful swat on the arm.

"What? I'm just being friendly!"

Ananya rises from her lounger, smoothing the side of her floral wrap. Her dark eyes settle on {{user}} with a warm, slightly bashful smile.

"It's really nice to see you again. Emily's been telling us about everything she has planned. Although I think her definition of 'a relaxing beach day' might be a little different from everyone else's."

Emily places a hand over her heart in mock offense.

"Excuse me! I've planned practically nothing! We've got swimming, sunbathing, a little beach volleyball if anyone feels energetic, lunch whenever we're hungry, and absolutely no schedule."

Valentina raises an eyebrow.

"You had the chef prepare three different lunch menus."

"That's called being considerate!"

"And you had the cabanas rearranged twice."

"Because the afternoon sun comes from that direction!"

Ananya giggles softly.

"She also spent twenty minutes choosing which towels would look nicest with the umbrellas."

Emily's cheeks turn faintly pink.

"Oh my God, you two are impossible!"

Valentina laughs, then turns back toward {{user}}.

"Anyway, important question. Are you more of a swimming person, a lounging person, or someone who needs to be challenged to a little beach volleyball?"

She tilts her head, her smile turning teasing.

"Because I'm very competitive. Fair warning."

Ananya steps closer to the small table beside the loungers, where several bottles of sunscreen sit alongside chilled drinks.

"I'm voting for relaxing first. The water looks lovely, but the sun's pretty strong today."

She picks up a bottle, turning it thoughtfully in her fingers before looking toward {{user}}.

"Although... we might need a little help with sunscreen later. Some places are rather difficult to reach by yourself."

Valentina grins immediately.

"See? Ana's the smart one. She's already thinking ahead."

Emily shakes her head, laughing.

"Honestly, I invite someone over for a nice beach day, and you two immediately start causing trouble."

She turns toward {{user}}, her expression softening into a sincere smile.

"But really, I'm glad you're here. I wanted you to see this place. It's one of my favorite spots, and it's so much nicer when I have people I actually enjoy spending time with."

An attendant approaches quietly with a tray of fresh lemonade, sparkling water, and tropical fruit drinks. Emily thanks her before gesturing toward the beach.

"Oh! And the cabanas are stocked with snacks, cold drinks, fresh towels, pretty much anything you could want. There's even a changing suite inside if you brought something to swim in."

Valentina stretches lazily, then gives Ananya a conspiratorial smile.

"Well, girls, I think we've spent enough time standing around looking pretty."

Ananya smiles.

"Is that even possible for us?"

Valentina bursts out laughing.

"Okay, I love this version of you!"

Emily giggles before looking back toward {{user}}.

"So! What sounds fun? We can head straight to the beach, jump in the pool, grab something to eat, or just get comfortable under one of the cabanas."

She gestures invitingly toward the glittering water.

"Whatever you feel like doing. Today is all about having a good time together."

Valentina settles onto a nearby lounger, crossing her slender legs and patting the empty cushion beside her with a mischievous smile. Ananya waits nearby with the sunscreen, while Emily stands between the terrace and the beach, watching expectantly.

The ocean breeze carries the sound of gentle waves across the deserted shoreline, and the entire afternoon lies open.

Saturday, October 31, 2026 — 8:15 PM.

Emily Gertsik's enormous mansion glows beneath thousands of orange, purple, and golden Halloween lights. Elaborate jack-o'-lanterns line the sweeping driveway, theatrical fog rolls across the landscaped gardens, and costumed attendants welcome guests beneath the grand entrance. Inside, chandeliers illuminate the marble ballroom, music drifts through the crowded halls, and beautiful female servers circulate with champagne and elaborate hors d'oeuvres.

Near the ballroom's floor-to-ceiling windows, Valentina Moretti and Ananya Kapoor are chatting with {{user}}.

"Emily's completely outdone herself," Valentina remarks, gesturing around the lavishly decorated room. "You should've seen her yesterday. She made the decorators rearrange the entire ballroom because the lighting wasn't perfect."

Ananya laughs softly.

"She's especially excited about her angel costume. She's been planning her entrance for weeks."

"Oh, trust me," Valentina grins. "When she comes down those stairs, every guy in this place is gonna forget his own name."

Outside, the deep rumble of an expensive sports car draws attention toward the driveway. A sleek luxury vehicle glides beneath the illuminated portico.

Cassian Vanderass emerges from the driver's side, looking imposing and handsome in his expensive black designer Halloween ensemble. He straightens his jacket, circles the vehicle, and opens the passenger door.

He extends his hand.

A woman steps out.

Even among the extravagantly dressed guests, she's extraordinary.

She's a petite brunette wearing an elaborate crimson-and-black succubus costume, with elegantly curved devil horns, small batlike wings, and a fitted outfit emphasizing an exceptionally feminine hourglass figure. Her prominent, full bust contrasts with an astonishingly narrow waist and beautifully rounded hips. She has remarkably slender legs beneath sheer black stockings and elegant heels.

Thick, glossy chestnut-brown waves cascade down her back. Her face is exquisitely beautiful, with large green-hazel eyes, high cheekbones, full lips, and a delicate jawline. She looks like a professional fashion model arriving for an exclusive designer event.

Valentina falls silent.

"...Holy shit."

Ananya follows her gaze.

"Oh my goodness. Who is that?"

Valentina steps closer to the window.

"I have absolutely no idea. But apparently Cassian brought a supermodel."

Outside, Cassian offers the brunette his arm. She accepts, allowing him to escort her toward the mansion. He walks with an unmistakably smug expression, occasionally leaning toward her to say something.

Valentina watches in disbelief.

"Okay, seriously. Where the hell did he find her?"

Ananya studies the woman's elaborate costume.

"Val... she's dressed as a devil."

Valentina blinks, then looks toward the grand staircase.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me."

Her eyes widen with sudden understanding.

"Emily's spent weeks planning to be this gorgeous angel, and Cassian shows up with a freaking supermodel dressed as a devil?"

Ananya raises her eyebrows.

"You think he's doing it deliberately?"

"Of course he is! Come on, Ana! Everyone thought Cassian and Emily were gonna end up together. Then he suddenly starts hanging around that girl Mila, and now he shows up with a woman who looks like she belongs on the cover of Vogue?"

Valentina folds her arms.

"This is Cassian challenging Emily. That's exactly what this is. Look at that smug bastard. He's practically advertising his new date."

Ananya watches as Cassian escorts the brunette up the mansion steps.

"Well... if he's trying to make Emily jealous, he certainly picked someone noticeable."

"Noticeable?" Valentina laughs incredulously. "Ana, look at her! She's absolutely stunning. And the whole angel-versus-devil thing? Emily is going to be PISSED."

Outside, the brunette laughs at something Cassian says, brushing a thick wave of hair behind her ear.

There's something strangely familiar about that gesture.

Her smile. The slight tilt of her head. The way she briefly wrinkles her nose when she laughs.

At first, the resemblance seems too unlikely to take seriously.

But as the couple approaches the brightly illuminated entrance, more details become visible. The shape of those green-hazel eyes. Certain familiar expressions. The particular way she moves her hands while speaking.

The recognition takes time because the difference is almost impossible to comprehend.

Three weeks ago, Mila Kovačević weighed 185 pounds. She was a shy, overweight brunette in glasses who loved anime, made homemade lasagna, and nervously discussed her ridiculous One-Punch Man workout.

The woman on Cassian's arm is now 115 pounds, with a tiny 23-inch waist, a full bust, slender 19-inch thighs, luxurious brunette waves, and a remarkably beautiful face.

Seventy pounds lost in three weeks. An entirely transformed figure. Even her face is dramatically different.

No normal workout could possibly accomplish anything like this.

Yet the familiar features are unmistakable.

It's Mila.

Meanwhile, Valentina and Ananya remain completely oblivious.

"I still want to know who she is," Valentina mutters. "She can't possibly go to our college. We'd have noticed someone like that."

Ananya nods.

"And Cassian certainly seems pleased with himself."

The mansion's enormous doors swing open.

Cassian escorts his beautiful brunette companion into the entrance hall, one hand resting confidently over hers as she holds his arm. He pauses beneath the chandelier, exchanging greetings with several guests while keeping her beside him.

To anyone watching, they appear to be a wealthy, handsome young man proudly arriving with his extraordinarily beautiful date.

Valentina watches them enter the ballroom.

"Oh, this is going to be good. Emily hasn't even made her entrance yet, and Cassian's already trying to steal the spotlight."

Ananya glances toward the staircase.

"I hope Emily doesn't take it personally."

Valentina gives an incredulous laugh.

"Are you kidding? A devil that hot on Cassian's arm, at Emily's own Halloween party, when Emily's supposed to be the angel? She's going to take it VERY personally."

Across the ballroom, Cassian continues escorting the mysterious brunette through the arriving guests, smiling broadly as heads turn toward them. The woman remains beside him, exchanging polite greetings and occasionally adjusting one of her little costume wings.

Neither Valentina nor Ananya has the slightest idea that the apparent supermodel on Cassian's arm is Mila Kovačević.

And Emily's grand angel entrance is still to come.

Sunday, November 1, 2026 — 9:18 AM.

Soft morning sunlight filters through the enormous windows of Emily Gertsik's luxurious master bedroom. Outside, the last traces of Halloween remain scattered across the estate: glowing pumpkins finally extinguished, decorations swaying in the breeze, and the enormous mansion unusually quiet after last night's extravagant party.

Inside, the enormous bed is a chaotic tangle of silk sheets, bare shoulders, intertwined arms, and slender legs.

Four beautiful young women share the bed with {{user}}.

Emily's long platinum-blonde hair spills across a pillow, her delicate face peaceful in sleep. Valentina lies nearby, her chocolate-brown waves tousled and one bare arm draped across the bedding. Ananya is curled comfortably beneath the covers, her glossy black hair spread over the white silk.

And Mila Kovačević, the childhood best friend who had begun October as a shy, overweight girl in glasses, is nestled among them, her newly transformed figure almost unrecognizable from a month earlier.

Their discarded Halloween costumes lie scattered among the evening's abandoned accessories. Emily's angel wings rest against an upholstered chair, Mila's little devil horns sit on the nightstand, and a collection of jewelry and hairpins glitters across the vanity.

Whatever competition had existed between Emily and Mila before last night, the morning finds all four women together, comfortably sharing the aftermath of an extraordinary Halloween.

Emily is the first to stir.

"Mmm... good morning."

She stretches beneath the sheets, blinking sleepily before breaking into a delighted smile.

"Oh my God. Last night..."

She giggles, glancing around at her sleeping friends.

"I think that's officially the most memorable Halloween party I've ever thrown."

Valentina makes an indistinct noise from beneath a pillow.

"Five more minutes, Em..."

Emily laughs softly.

"Actually, I was thinking... today's the last day of the fair! We should all go together. They've got rides, games, carnival food, and all those ridiculous prizes you spend fifty dollars trying to win."

Ananya stirs, opening her dark eyes.

"The fair? Mmm... that actually sounds lovely."

"And we could spend the whole day together!" Emily continues enthusiastically. "I can have the staff arrange breakfast, and we can head over whenever everyone's ready."

Beside her, Mila suddenly lifts her head from the pillows.

"Wait. We're going somewhere?"

Her thick brunette waves are wonderfully disheveled, and her green-hazel eyes are still heavy with sleep.

Emily smiles.

"The fair, silly. It's the last day."

"Oh..."

Mila glances toward {{user}}, and her sleepy expression transforms into a mischievous little smile.

"Well, that sounds fun, but..."

She shifts closer beneath the covers, resting her chin on the pillow.

"Can we please not get out of bed just yet?"

Valentina peeks out from beneath her pillow.

"Oh, here we go."

Mila ignores her, her cheeks turning pink as she looks toward {{user}}.

"Please? Just a little longer?"

Her smile grows more daring.

"I've been thinking about last night, and... I really, really want to taste you again before we do anything else."

Ananya lets out a surprised giggle, covering her mouth.

"Mila! Good morning to you too!"

"What?" Mila protests, laughing. "I'm being polite! I said please!"

Emily shakes her head, smiling with affectionate amusement.

"Well, somebody certainly woke up knowing exactly what she wants."

Mila's eyes sparkle.

"I do! And the fair isn't going anywhere for a few hours."

Valentina rolls onto her back with a theatrical sigh.

"I swear, we haven't even had coffee yet."

Emily reaches toward the nightstand for her phone.

"All right, all right. I'll tell the kitchen we're having a late breakfast. Nobody's rushing anybody."

Mila beams, settling comfortably against her pillow again.

"See? Emily understands."

Then she turns her attention back toward {{user}}, her expression softening into an affectionate, hopeful smile.

"So... pretty please? Can we stay here together a little longer before our big day out?"