Mag-log inRhea's Pov “This is really crazy.” I whispered as I looked at myself in the mirror. The gown I wore shimmered like liquid midnight. Its base was a deep, celestial navy, flowing into layers of black tulle that caught the light and revealed hints of sapphire and amethyst when I moved. Tiny silver stars and swirling constellations were hand-embroidered into the fabric, cascading down the bodice and skirt like fragments of a fallen sky.The corset hugged my figure perfectly, its sheer illusion neckline adorned with delicate beadwork that glowed faintly under the chandelier’s light. Draped pearls and silver chains fell gracefully from the waist, giving the gown an otherworldly elegance. Each layered ruffle of the skirt moved with a quiet whisper, like midnight waves rippling beneath the moon.In my right hand, I held a slender, polished pipe, long and sleek, made of dark silver with intricate engravings near the mouthpiece. It wasn’t lit; it wasn’t meant to be. It was a symbol, an access
Isabelle's POV “Isabelle.” My father said, his tone clipped as always, “I’ve received word that the Valtieri family and the Valerius family will be attending tonight’s event.”I straightened unconsciously, the mention of those names sending a chill down my spine. The Valtieris were not just influential, they were the kind of family that made presidents tremble. Old money, old power, and the kind of reputation that was both feared and revered. The Valerius family wasn’t far behind. “Yes, Mr. Montaigne.” I replied softly.He continued without pause, “You must ensure we rise in their eyes tonight. Impress them. Make them see you as more than Alaric’s companion, make them see you as his equal. His wife. The Vale Family is also in the upper echelons of society, even more than the Montaignes. If you manage to catch their attention, our family’s influence will expand beyond the city. This is not just a party, Isabelle. It’s a test.”I swallowed hard, pressing the phone closer to my ear, “I
Rhea's Pov “Things?” I asked, my curiosity deepening at the subtle shift in her voice. She shook her head with a wistful sigh, “It’s a long story. And in this world, long stories are better buried than told.” Something in her tone sent a ripple of intrigue through me, but I didn’t push. We've only stayed together for a few hours but I noticed that Carmen wasn’t the kind of woman you pried secrets from, she was the kind who revealed them only when she wanted to. Instead, I studied her expression. There was something almost nostalgic in the way she looked at me, as though the sight of me wearing this mask reminded her of something she’d lost. But just as quickly as it appeared, the moment was gone. Carmen straightened, her commanding aura slipping effortlessly back into place. “Anyway.” She said briskly, clasping her hands together, “We don’t have the luxury of reminiscing today, maybe when we have the chance we can talk properly. You’ll need to show yourself in public this eveni
Rhea's Pov I stared at the mirror, at my reflection. I had smoky eyes, faint shimmer, lips tinted a deep, wine red. The woman staring back at me looked nothing like the one who was walking barefooted a few hours ago. “Alright, darling.” The stylist said, dusting off her hands, “Now that we've found THE make-up look, go take a bath. Let your skin breathe for a moment. Then we begin the real magic, the wardrobe.”I stood, smiling at Neveah, “Be good while I’m gone, okay?”“Yes, Mommy!” She said cheerfully, still admiring her sparkly reflection.I went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. The warm water cascaded down, washing away the faint traces of powder and foundation. The scent of sandalwood lingered faintly on my skin, subtle, but powerful. When I stepped out, I felt lighter, more awake, more me.I wrapped a soft bathrobe around myself and returned to the main room, steam still curling around my hair. The stylist was waiting, and so were the dresses.They were laid out like
Rhea's Pov The red-haired woman, the stylist, apparently, was smiling brightly, completely unbothered by how much she’d just scared me.“Sorry, darling.” She said, though her grin said otherwise, “I just had to see for myself. Such a lovely frame! Slender build, graceful neck, perfect posture, oh, we can work with this!”“Uh… thank you?” I managed, still a bit startled.She clapped her hands, eyes sparkling, “Oh, I can already tell! You’re going to be my favorite client this week. Now, let’s get started before the light changes. Sit, sit!”She practically pushed me into the vanity chair.The mirror in front of me was so large I could see the whole room reflected in it, the flurry of motion, the steaming cups of tea Isla had left behind, the bed now empty without the children.The stylist leaned over my shoulder, examining my reflection like a scientist studying something rare, “Your skin is beautiful.” She said, tilting her head, “A bit tan, yes, but smooth. Natural glow. We’ll keep
Rhea's Pov The first thing I heard was knocking, it was soft at first. Then louder, and louder again.I buried my face deeper into the pillow and groaned. For a few seconds, I tried to ignore it. The bed was warm, soft, and it actually smelled clean, faintly of lavender and something expensive. The kind of smell that made me want to stay wrapped up in it forever.Knock. Knock. Knock.“Ugh…” I muttered into the pillow.I turned over and sat up, rubbing at my eyes. My whole body felt heavy, but not the bad kind of heavy, just the kind that comes from finally resting after too many nights of sleeplessness.“Who is it?” I called out, voice still half-asleep.There was no answer. I swung my legs off the bed and walked slowly towards the door where the knocking continued. Sighing, I opened the door and the next thing I knew, the door swung open and at least five people burst in at once.I blinked hard because for a second, I honestly thought I was dreaming.There were hangers everywhere. D







