The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Chapter 87

ASTRA

The final piece was breathtaking.

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It was a deep burgundy off-shoulder gown with a structured corset bodice that somehow flattered my curves without squeezing them, and a flowing skirt with a high slit on one side that gave it movement and elegance. The fabric had a subtle shimmer that caught the light beautifully. It felt luxurious and powerful at the same time.

I stood alone in the private dressing room, staring at myself in the full-length mirror while Elira and her team stepped out briefly to check the final lighting and guest arrangement.

I turned slowly, the slit revealing a flash of my leg and I giggled to myself

Then a voice cut through the silence like ice.

“You do clean up nice, Trash-tra.”

I stiffened. In the mirror, I saw Maya leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, red dress still hugging her body like a second skin. She pushed off the frame and sauntered over, heels clicking sharply on the floor.

My heart pounded.

“I don’t want trouble, Maya,” I said quickly, turning to face her. “Please, just leave me alone.”

She smiled sweetly, the kind of smile that promised evil. She reached out and toyed with a lock of my golden hair, twisting it around her finger.

“If you don’t want trouble, then stay away from this family,” she said softly. “Especially Zane.”

I took a deep breath. “I can’t do that. I need this job and I have nothing to do with Zane.”

Maya scoffed, eyes narrowing.

“Do you think I’m stupid? I see the way you look at him. The way he looks at you. He’s only interested in one thing, fucking you. It’s all a game for him. I know him better than anyone. He gets bored fast and once he’s had his fun with the poor fat nanny, he’ll toss you aside like the rest.”

Her words stung more than I wanted to admit.

Before I could respond, her hand shot out and tugged hard on the delicate fabric of the burgundy gown near the corset.

“You’re being so stubborn because Elira is treating you like some charity project,” she sneered. “Wearing fancy clothes. thinking you’re a big shot now…”

I yanked her hand away sharply. “Don’t! You’ll damage the cloth!”

Maya’s eyes flashed with rage. She shoved me hard.

I stumbled backward, my hip slamming into a side table. A glass of red wine tipped over, splashing across the front of the beautiful gown. The dark crimson liquid soaked into the rich burgundy fabric instantly, creating a large, ugly stain that spread rapidly and looked almost like blood.

“Oh no…” I whispered, staring down in horror at the ruined dress.

The delicate material was already absorbing the wine, the color bleeding and setting.

Chapter 87

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Maya smirked for half a second then suddenly threw herself dramatically onto the floor just as the door opened.

Elira stepped in with two members of her team.

“What happened?” Elira asked, eyes widening at the scene.

Maya immediately started crying, clutching her arm like she was hurt.

“I only came to tell Astra she looked good!” she sobbed. “And she pushed me! I was just being nice!”

I shook my head frantically. “No! I didn’t push her! She..”

One of the girls gasped. “Oh my God… the dress!”

All eyes turned to the large, spreading red wine stain on the front of the gown.

I felt the blood drain from my face.

“I’m so sorry.” I whispered, voice trembling. “It was an accident. I..”

Elira looked between us, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then she moved quickly, helping Maya up from the floor with gentle but firm hands.

“Maya, are you alright?” Elira asked, brushing her hair back.

Before Maya could answer, the door opened wider and Catherine Whitmore swept in, her sharp eyes immediately landing on her daughter’s tear-streaked face.

“Maya, sweetheart!” Catherine cried, immediately wrapping her arms around her daughter. “What happened?!”

Maya sobbed dramatically against her mother’s shoulder. “I only came to tell Astra she looked beautiful… and she pushed me! I was just trying to be nice. Everyone knows how hard school has been for her because of her weight, and I thought tonight might make her feel better.”

Catherine’s head snapped toward me, eyes narrowing into slits of pure disdain.

“How dare you?” she hissed, voice dripping with anger. “You pathetic little nobody. What gave you the right to put your hands on my daughter?”

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Catherine moved faster than I expected.

Thwack.

Her hand connected hard with my cheek. The slap echoed in the room.

I gasped, stumbling back as pain bloomed across my face. My hand flew up to hold my stinging cheek, tears instantly filling

my eyes.

“Cathy!” Elira exclaimed, shocked, rushing to my side and gently pulling me behind her. “That is enough!”

Catherine ignored Elira, still glaring at me with pure hatred.

“You think because Elira is playing dress-up with you that you’re one of us? You’re a fat, desperate girl who doesn’t know her place. Stay away from my daughter, or I’ll make sure every door that opens for you slams shut.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks. The sting on my face was nothing compared to the humiliation, hurt, and helplessness churning inside me.

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Ashton,” I whispered to Elira, voice breaking. “I’ll find a way to pay for the dress. I promise.”

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12:02 Fri, Jul 3

Chapter 87

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