8

Gabriella had spent the whole day in her room, she had planned to starve herself but Maria had forced her to eat some grapes and food so she could take her medication.

It didn't take long before sleep took over and she found herself dreaming about escaping the Saviano estate but this time successfully. She soon woke up groaning in pain at the sound of the room door opening slightly.

"How are you feeling Ma'am?" Maria asked stepping into the room. She had left her to get some rest in preparation for the event but looking at her puffy eyes she wasn't sure she got enough rest.

She had tried to convince Mr. Saviano, that Miss Gabriella was still too weak to attend an event but Mr. Saviano insisted that it was either Gabriella was ready or her head would be placed on a spike.

She did gulp at his word, gave a slight nod, and walked out of his office reminding herself not to ever go against his word again.

"Do I have to go to this darn event?" Gabriella groaned sitting up on the bed and placing her hand on her forehead.

"I am sorry Ma'am, but Mr. Saviano insisted," Maria replied, her voice laced with concern. "But you don't need to worry, Mr. Saviano won't stress you, you will only be there to observe."

"Observe?" Gabriella questioned with a puzzled look. "Tell me, what exactly is this event about?"

"Once you are freshened up, I will tell you all about it Ma'am," Maria replied going to the closet to get the gown and the accessories she had put in place. "Please Ma, the bathroom is right there," Maria added noticing the look on Gabriella's face.

Gabriella couldn't believe this was actually happening. Reluctantly, she got out of bed to freshen up. Gabriella shuffled towards the bathroom, her body still weary from the lingering effects of her ordeal. As she turned on the faucet, icy water splashed against her skin.

Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but notice the dark circles under her eyes and the dullness in her gaze. She had not gotten enough sleep, maybe this look isn't so bad she thought to herself.

She could just go to the event looking like an old witch with her puffy eyes and unkempt hair but the thought of Enzo Saviano seeing her like that didn't sit right with her.

It would seem she was being defiant but she could just be playing right into his trap yet again.

For now, it was time to put on a facade if she truly wanted to leave here without being caught or set in another trap. She would have to convince the ruthless Saviano that she was ready to play his game.

Taking a deep breath, Gabriella forced herself to meet her own eyes. "You can do this," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling slightly.

She splashed water on her face again, this time allowing it to linger for a moment before drying herself with a soft towel.

As she emerged from the bathroom, Maria was waiting for her with a smile. "You look radiant, Ma'am," she said, her eyes filled with admiration. "Mr. Saviano will be very impressed."

Gabriella gave her a slight nod, she didn't care what Mr. Saviano thought about her. His opinions were worthless to her, "The dress," she muttered pointing at the dress Maria had laid on the bed.

"Yes Ma'am," Maria replied going to pick up the gown and handing it over to Gabriella. Maria turned around immediately giving her the space to dress up.

Gabriella removed her towel and wore the gown as quickly as she could, at first she wondered why a bra wasn't attached but the gown came with an inner padding.

When she was done, she adjusted the gown properly before coughing out lightly signaling Maria that she was done.

"All done Ma'am?" Maria still asked just to be certain of what the light cough meant.

"Yes Maria," Gabriella replied.

Maria turned around and her lips formed and O, "You look absolutely stunning, Ma'am," Maria exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

Gabriella couldn't help but blush slightly at the compliment, feeling a bit self-conscious under Maria's scrutiny. "Thank you, Maria," she replied softly.

Maria quickly walked to the dresser and adjusted the seat, "please Sit Ma'am," she gestured.

Gabriella nodded and sat down on the dresser. Maria reached for the jewelry and helped her put them on, first she started with the earrings then the rings on her fingers and finally the necklace.

Gabriella couldn't deny that despite the jewelry looking expensive they fit perfectly and made her gloomy face glow.

Maria then proceeded to help her apply foundation and concealer, carefully covering up the evidence of her sleepless nights, when she was done she moved to do Gabriella's hair, styling it in a way that complemented the elegant gown she was wearing.

As she finished, Maria stepped back to admire her handiwork. "You are ready, Ma'am," Maria said with a smile. "You look so beautiful, don't you want to take a look?" Maria added.

Gabriella had been so lost in thought that she didn't bother to watch what Maria was doing in the mirror. She finally lifted her head to look at herself in the mirror.

Gabriella's breath caught in her throat as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had never seen herself so radiant.

The gown clung to her body perfectly, accentuating her curves and making her look like a goddess. The intricate beading and lacework glittered under the lights, adding a touch of opulence to her appearance.

Her hair, which Maria had styled in an elegant updo, framed her face perfectly. The soft curls cascaded down her shoulders, giving her an ethereal aura.

The makeup Maria had applied enhanced her natural beauty without being overdone. Her skin looked flawless, and her eyes sparkled with a newfound confidence.

Gabriella couldn't believe how different she looked. She had never felt so beautiful before. A smile crept across her lips as she realized that she had the power to transform herself.

"Thank you, Maria," she said softly. "You've done a wonderful job."

Maria beamed with pride. "You're welcome, Ma'am. You look absolutely stunning."

Gabriella stood up and walked over to the full-length mirror. She turned and admired herself from every angle, reveling in her newfound beauty.

She knew that Enzo Saviano would be impressed. As she looked at her reflection, another plan came to her mind. She knew this wasn't the right time to be plotting again but it was better to take the risk than not give it a try at all.

"Shall we?" Maria said cutting through her thoughts.

Gabriella hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest.

Taking a deep breath, Gabriella nodded. "Yes, let's go," she said, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.

Together, they made their way out of the room and down the grand staircase, towards the hall where the event was taking place. As Gabriella walked down the corridor with Maria by her side she could hear the sound of music playing loudly.