Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 56

**Chapter 56**

**Bailey’s POV:**

As I stepped into Selena’s room, I could practically feel the air shift around us. Her eyes widened dramatically, nearly popping out of their sockets, as if she had just encountered a specter from another realm.

She stood frozen by the door, her mouth agape, staring at me as though I had materialized from thin air.

“What have you done to yourself?” she shrieked, her voice trembling with disbelief.

I tilted my head slightly, a casual shrug escaping my shoulders, even though my heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Her reaction was as loud as a thunderclap, and I braced myself for the storm that followed.

In an instant, Selena dashed over to me, her fingers running through my hair with a frantic urgency.

“Bailey… your hair!” she gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “It’s blonde now!”

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly, brushing my fingers through my newly lightened locks. It felt strange, almost ethereal—lighter, different, like I had shed an old skin.

“Yeah, I know,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “And check this out—I’ve got fierce brows now. Oh, and if you look closely, my wardrobe has had a makeover too.”

I gestured toward my outfit: snug jeans that hugged my curves, a flowing white silk top that shimmered under the light, and heels that I had never dared to wear before.

Selena’s hands flew to her mouth, her expression a mix of awe and concern. “You’ve changed everything,” she whispered, almost reverently.

“Exactly,” I affirmed, lifting my chin defiantly. “It was high time for a change. I’m done being the quiet girl everyone overlooked in college. I refuse to be invisible any longer.”

Her gaze swept over me from head to toe, and she shook her head slowly, a mixture of admiration and apprehension in her eyes.

“I love this new look, but Bailey… I’m scared. You don’t seem like yourself,” she admitted, her voice laced with worry.

I smirked, picking up my new designer bag and tossing it over my shoulder. “I might as well spend the allowance my dad gives me. What do I have left to lose?”

Selena bit her lip, clearly caught in a tug-of-war between concern and excitement. “You sound a bit reckless, like you don’t even care anymore.”

“Maybe I don’t,” I replied, reaching for her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Come on, enough with the worrying. Are you ready for the party?”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, bending down to adjust her shoes, a small smile breaking through her initial trepidation.

I grinned, grabbed my car keys, and twirled them playfully on my finger.

As we stepped out into the driveway, Selena halted again, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“Bailey…” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “Is this your car?”

Before us sat my brand-new sports car, gleaming under the evening light like a jewel. It was red, sleek, and exuded an aura of speed and power.

“Of course,” I replied nonchalantly, pressing the unlock button and hearing the satisfying beep. “What do you think? Do you like it?”

Selena covered her face with her hands, her eyes wide with shock. “You’ve completely lost your mind. This is insane!”

I laughed, sliding into the plush driver’s seat, feeling the luxurious leather wrap around me like a second skin. Selena climbed in beside me, still shaking her head in disbelief.

“Bailey, this is crazy,” she muttered, her voice tinged with awe.

“Crazy looks good on me,” I shot back with a cheeky grin, turning the ignition. The engine roared to life, and Selena squealed in delight.

We sped through the city, the wind whipping through our hair as the night unfolded before us. Selena screamed with every press of the accelerator, her excitement palpable.

“Slow down!” she cried, laughter mingling with her fear.

“No way,” I replied, my laughter echoing in the night. “We’re making an entrance at this party!”

The music blasted from the speakers, and for the first time in ages, I felt alive, liberated from the shackles of my former self.

When we arrived at the party, the atmosphere was electric. Music pulsed through the air, the bass vibrating underfoot as people danced, drank, and shouted in a whirlwind of energy.

I parked my car right at the entrance, and heads turned in our direction. Whispers filled the air, some pulling out their phones, murmuring my name.

“Is that Bailey?” “No way…” “Since when does she look like that?”

I noticed a few people pulling out their phones, recording the scene.

My heart raced, a furious rhythm echoing in my ears.

In a moment of pure instinct, my hand flew out.

My palm connected sharply with her cheek, the sound ringing out like a gunshot, and the crowd erupted in chaos.

“Bailey!” Selena gasped, shock etched across her face.

But I wasn’t finished. Lila stumbled back, eyes wide with disbelief, her hand pressed against her cheek. “You dared to slap me,” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of anger and surprise.

Before she could utter another word, I shoved her with all my strength.

“Ahhh!” Lila screamed as she stumbled backward, her arms flailing in a desperate attempt to regain her balance.

She fell straight into the glowing pool, water splashing everywhere and soaking the onlookers nearby.

Laughter erupted from the crowd, cheers filling the air as Lila surfaced, gasping for breath, her hair plastered to her face, makeup streaming down in dark streaks.

“You bitch!” she shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger at me, fury in her eyes.

But no one came to her aid. They were too busy laughing, clapping, and filming the spectacle.

I stood at the edge of the pool, arms crossed, a triumphant smirk playing on my lips as I looked down at her. “How’s the water?” I called out, my voice ringing with mockery.

The crowd roared with laughter, the atmosphere electric with excitement.

Lila screamed again, struggling to climb out, only to slip back into the water.

She looked utterly ridiculous, flailing about, mascara dripping like ink.

Selena tugged on my arm, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Bailey, that was incredible!”

I raised my cup high, turning back to the pulsating party, ready to embrace the chaos around me.