2. Dereon Hall

Elizabeth

She looked like a vision of sophistication and finesse in the deep lilac Alexander McQueen evening gown hugging her curvaceous figure. With black Louboutin platforms on her feet, and minimal jewellery, her confidence kicked up a bit when she felt the stares on her. She stepped out of the black Maybach with her mother’s words ringing in her head and felt forlorn once more. Looking up at the magnificent mansion, she sighs and heads inside.

These events always fascinated her, the prestige, the glamour, and elegance. Not that she was self-centred or spoiled. Elizabeth was a fashion designer with her own haute couture fashion house, and events like these always inspired her. She felt like a little kid at Christmas time! “Maybe tonight won’t be so bad...” she thought to herself, then her mind went to ‘landing August Dereon’ and she groaned inwardly.

Taking a flute of champagne from a server, she forces herself to have a good time, or at least try to. She sauntered towards the hors d’oeuvres table and picked up a tiny fairy cupcake to nibble on. As she strolled around the room, she made polite conversation with the other guests, noting that most of the guests were some of her clients.

“Well, well, well look at what the cat dragged in wearing last season’s Alexander McQueen.”

Elizabeth groaned quietly and turned around to face the person behind her. “Evelyn, nice to see you too.” She said and gave Evelyn a sweet smile.

Evelyn Forrester. Her ex-best friend from high school who randomly decided one day that Elizabeth would be her rival in everything. Elizabeth was still not sure how they became friends, as they have nothing in common except being heirs from affluent households. Where Elizabeth loved fashion and was hardworking and independent, Evelyn was just a socialite who lived off her parent’s wealth.

“Here to steal August Dereon’s heart?” Evelyn sneered and threw her head back in a cackle. “Good luck with that, sweety. Rumour has it he prefers blonde, outgoing girls. So, don’t even bother.” She said and looked Elizabeth up and down with a smirk forming on her face. Elizabeth stared at her. “No, I’m not.” She starts, “I’m here getting inspiration for my new line. Looking at all these beautiful people and the architecture of Dereon Hall, I’m already brimming with ideas., not that you would understand.” She said with a sweet smile and hating the fact that Evelyn brought out her bitchy side.

Evelyn looks at her with contempt and stared daggers. “Ew, work. Well, whatever makes you sleep at night, Lizzy,” she responded, and walks away with a purposeful swagger.

“Could this night get better, please?” Elizabeth whispered to herself and walks around the hall. She found a door leading out onto the terrace and stepped outside, breathing in the night air. She knew the connections this union could give her parents, but frankly, it did not phase her. At 23, she did not feel the need to be tied down to anyone or anything when she still had so much to do and accomplish. Feeling forlorn, she leans on the balcony’s balustrade and sighs.

“Running away from the crowd?”