[Elena's POV]

"Elena, I can't believe how beautiful you've become," Jake said, his eyes filled with unfiltered amazement and greed.

Caroline shot me a look that dripped with jealousy.

I glanced down at the black dress hugging my body. Her jealousy gave me a brief sense of superiority, but Jake's hungry stare made my skin crawl.

Just yesterday, he humiliated me in public, said I was nothing but a means to finish his design. I used to think he didn't have feelings for me and was just using me for convenience - maybe he truly liked Caroline. After all, he kissed her right in front of his friends.

But now,...