Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law
Chapter 26: Dressed to Impress

Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Dressed to Impress

It was the day of the award ceremony, an important day for me. I planned to arrive at the hall as early as possible. But Mindie had different opinions.

“You’re seriously wearing that?” Mindie asked, flopping onto her bed and popping a piece of gum into her mouth.

I looked down at my outfit—a plain cream blouse tucked into a black skirt. It looked safe and simple, something formal enough for an award ceremony. “What’s wrong with it?”

Mindie raised a brow. “Nothing, if it was just for class. But this is the award ceremony. People are gonna pull out all the stops.”

I frowned, smoothing my skirt. “It’s just a school event, Mindie. I’m not trying to win a fashion contest.”

She smirked. “Maybe you’re not. But trust me, half the girls are.”

I paused mid-brush as I tied my hair back. “Why?”

Mindie grinned, almost like she was enjoying dragging it out. “Because Gareth Laken’s coming.”

I blinked. “Wait,... what?”

“Yep. Heard it from someone in the student union. He’s actually showing up this year.”

My heart gave a weird little lurch. “But he never comes.”

Mindie shrugged. “First time for everything. Maybe he’s making an exception.”

I gave a little smile but shook my head. “It’s not that deep. It’s just a ceremony, and I’m not a guest of honor or anything.”

“Still," she said, eyeing my outfit. “You sure you don’t want to change?”

I glanced down at my outfit, simple, neat, not too flashy. “Nope. This is fine. I’m not trying to impress anyone. Gareth’s probably not even going to notice I’m there.”

Mindie raised her brow but didn’t push it.

We headed out to her car, Mindie chatting the whole way while I sat quietly, mentally preparing myself.

When we pulled into the university lot, I almost choked.

Girls were stepping out of sleek cars wearing glittering ball gowns, their makeup professionally done, hair twisted into elaborate styles. These are girls that men like Gareth looked at. It looked less like a prize ceremony and more like the entrance to some celebrity gala.

“What the hell?” I muttered.

Mindie burst out laughing. “Told you.”

“They look like they’re walking a red carpet!”

“They’re hoping to catch Gareth’s attention.”

I stared, feeling even more awkward in my plain skirt and secondhand shoes. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Nope.” Mindie chuckled. “But you’re the one getting the award. That’s what matters.”

I tried to nod, but my stomach twisted. I tugged nervously at the hem of my skirt.

“You’re acting like I already won,” I muttered, glancing sideways at her. “What if I don’t?”

Mindie rolled her eyes and gave me a gentle squeeze. “Please. You’ve been killing it all year. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

I bit my lip. “Yeah, but... Clarissa’s parents basically funded half the new building. And William’s family practically owns half the city. They’re gonna pick someone like them.”

“Listen to me, Jas. You’re smart, you’re hardworking, and you earned it. They can’t buy everything.” She retorted.

I stared at her for a moment, then gave a small smile. Mindie always had this way of making me feel like I wasn’t completely crazy for hoping.

“Thanks,” I said quietly.

She winked. “Don’t thank me yet. Thank me after you’re holding that big, shiny certificate.”

I laughed a little, my nerves easing just a bit.

Still, somewhere deep down, a different worry gnawed at me. I couldn’t help wondering...

‘Was Gareth really coming?

‘And if he did—

‘Would he even see me?’

“Can we go already?” I sighed, grabbing my small bag. “Before I get the urge to fake a stomach ache and turn back.”

Mindie grabbed her phone and opened the car door. “If you chicken out, I swear I’ll drag you in there screaming.”

“Threat noted.”

By the time we pushed through the crowd toward the arena doors, the noise was growing louder with every step. I gripped the strap of my bag tightly, feeling ridiculously out of place among the sparkly gowns and sharp suits.

And then—

The crowd near the entrance parted, and the voices started buzzing like a kicked beehive.

I tugged Mindie’s sleeve. “What’s going on?”

Before she could answer, gasps rippled across the hall.

I followed everyone’s stares—and froze.

Gareth Laken had just walked in.

He didn’t just enter—he commanded the space without even trying. He wore a dark suit that fit him perfectly, like it was stitched straight onto him. Crisp, clean and powerful.

His Beta and a few guards followed a few steps behind, but nobody cared about them. Everyone’s attention was locked on Gareth.

Conversations stopped mid-sentence. Heads turned. Even the girls who had been pretending to be busy on their phones looked up, wide-eyed.

“Oh my God, that’s really him,” a girl behind me whispered, practically swooning.

“He’s even hotter in person,” another one sighed. “And that aura—ugh, he’s pure Alpha.”

“I heard he’s single too,” someone else giggled. “You think he’s looking for a new Luna?”

I stood there with my heart thudding painfully against my ribs.

God, he looked... dangerous. Like a storm bottled up in a suit. Calm on the outside, but you just knew he could wreck everything if he wanted.

Gareth didn’t glance left or right. His sharp gaze swept over the room, detached and focused—like none of this mattered to him. And somehow, that only made the girls around us lose their minds even more.

Mindie leaned in, whispering, “Now do you believe me? This is why everyone showed up dressed like they’re going to some royal ball.”

I swallowed hard. My throat felt dry.

‘Does he know I’m here?’

‘Stupid thought. He hadn’t even looked my way.’

‘He’s not here for you, Jasmine. Get a grip.’

I didn’t realize I was staring until—

"Earth to Jasmine," Mindie said, nudging me hard in the ribs. "You’re staring.”

I snapped my eyes away, cheeks burning. “Was not.”

“Uh-huh.” She smirked and tugged my arm. “Come on. Our seats are this way.”

I forced myself to move, weaving through the crowd as gracefully as I could manage without tripping over my own feet. The arena had been set up with long rows of chairs facing a stage decorated with the university’s banners and fancy gold drapery. Spotlights glowed softly, making the space feel even more formal.

I was just searching for our row when someone called out, “Jasmine!”

I turned and saw William jogging over, a big smile on his face. His messy brown hair flopped into his eyes, and he shoved it back quickly, looking a little out of breath.

“Hey!” he said, falling into step beside us. “Mind if I join you guys?”

“Of course not,” I said, relieved to see a friendly face. I liked William. He was one of the very few who didn’t treat me like a walking pity case after everything went public about my dad.

Mindie gave him a sly look. “Look who’s here. Mr. Top Student himself.”

William laughed, a little awkward. “Nah, Jasmine’s gonna take the scholarship, not me.”

“Doubt it,” I muttered. “They probably already printed your name on the award.”

He grinned. “If they did, I’ll make sure they correct it.”

Mindie snickered. “Suck-up.”

He shrugged, unbothered. “It’s true. She deserves it more than anyone.”

William grinned but then grew a little more serious. “Actually, Jasmine... can I talk to you for a second?”

I blinked. “Uh, sure?”

William scratched the back of his neck, looking nervous. “I heard about... you know. Your dad. And the financial stuff. I just—” He hesitated. “I was thinking... my family, we’re comfortable. And my dad knows people. If you ever need help paying for classes, or... anything really, I could talk to him. We could sponsor your tuition. You wouldn’t even have to use the scholarship money for school—you could use it for... other things.”

‘Like getting my father out of prison.’

He didn’t say it out loud, but I could hear it between the lines.

I stared at him, stunned.

Mindie, of course, didn’t miss a beat.

“Aww,” she teased, grinning. “That’s so sweet. William, are you in love with her or what?”

William turned bright red, waving his hands frantically. “No! It’s not— I mean—I’m just trying to help!”