01.

Olivia P.O.V

I hated today! It was exactly like every other day of my life, miserable. My poor stomach was being pressed and squashed together.

I looked at the three women who had pitiful expressions for causing me pain as they pulled the lace of my corset together and shook my head, I didn’t blame them. I wasn't even fat but this ball gown always took delight in frustrating me. I had to withstand the pain and not make a fool out of myself,

No, not make a fool out of the Dennis Family. They pulled at the corset with all their might, struggling to get my waist to be as small as it used to be when I was ten.

That was all I lived for and probably all I ever would. I, Olivia Dennis, was a puppet even at the age of 21, I was still regarded as a child incapable of knowing her left from her right and was expected to obey respectfully, say yes and nod regardless of how I felt. Most importantly, shut up because apparently, my opinions were as useless as mine. My life was basically in the hands of my parents.

“Stop.” My mother paused to scan my half-naked body, and with a smile which meant her approval, “Carry on.”

The maids rushed to get the red ball gown,  I had to admit that although this wasn't my choice and my style, it was stunning. I stared at the large mirror with flame designs on the edges. I looked exactly like what the public thought I was; modest, stunning, eye-catching, and most importantly everybody's dream daughter or in-law, but marriage would probably be a decided fate made by my parents and not me.

“Hmmmm.” She was walking in a circle around me, careful to observe and take in my looks, faults could not be allowed.  We were seen as Gods in the eyes of the public and we will continue that perfect reputation. I stood as still as I could and should, held my breath and had a plastered wide smile praying in my heart that she wouldn't detect any fault and make me undergo this torture again, So with every step of hers, I could only hope.

“Olivia Dennis,” she smiled, “ perfect.’

And I jumped up in joy mentally, my smile became wider but this time, it wasn't fake.

“Come downstairs in 10 minutes time,” She said before leaving.

My smile finally turned to a frown, as I looked at my pathetic self in a long ball gown about to attend a ball I never wanted to attend in the first place, wondering how I got to the point I had no voice to speak up for myself, being the last and golden child was depressing.

“You can go.” I said to the maids before returning to my reflection. Pathetic

Although I didn't want to look over my clothes to check if there were actually any mistakes and it was indeed perfect, I found myself doing exactly that, hating myself for being so much like my mom and dad, maybe it was just inbuilt, maybe I was a robot cause as much as I hated following their rules. I had these tiny desires to please them and not fail the family. Probably my soft heart was the beginning of my downfall.

My legs began to make me aware of the fact that I had been in 6-inch heels for hours and I walked over to my bed and collapsed on it.

“Rat-tat-tat”

The sound of the opening door cancelled all my thoughts as I lifted my head to see who was about to enter. It was a maid, her hair was blonde and her eyes were big which made her look cute. She was probably 18 or 19 and her smile looked genuine.

My head went back to the bed.

“Can I come in?” she asked shyly.

I murmured a yes. She was still hiding behind the door but was still visible when  I realised she was waiting for my permission to speak.

“Can I tell you something, just a little advice?” I wasn't loud but loud enough to hear. I was tired and was literally talking to my chair.

“Yes miss” She spoke softly. Poor lamb.

“What's your name?” I lazily asked.

“ Maria Hinojosa”

“Maria…” I contemplated talking or letting it be. “I'm going to say this once, be tough.” I finally decided to make it short. 

“Thank you,” she said, and continued when she noticed I wasn't speaking again “you're requested downstairs, miss”

I nodded. She bowed and left.

Yes, we were treated as royalty; and we were seen as royalty too but we weren't exactly, my family was the opposite. I finally stood up, taking the last glance at myself and making sure a smile was plastered on my face, took deep breaths before exiting the room. The sounds of my heels caught the attention of everyone as I walked down and the maids rushed to take my hands and lead me down safely.

My Dad, Peter Dennis, in all his glory smiled as he saw me. He had black wavy hair, and almond shaped eyes just like mine which complimented his looks. His face looked freshly shaved but still held that toughness that always stayed with him. He looked at me with so much admiration which was good, he was satisfied, while mom who was beside him stood proud like she had switched bodies with me and was the one walking down the stairs.There were gasps and murmuring, eyes of admiration on me as I made my way to meet my father who was at the end of the stairs.

Prince Charles also stood there looking gorgeous as always with his long beachy hair and chiselled jaw. He was the perfect match and every girl's dream except mine, but who was I to object? I really hoped this night wasn't going to be matchmaking. He slowly looked away from his phone and looked up, catching my eyes. He flashed a dazzling white smile at me, I didn't bother to smile back considering the fact that I already had a smile on, and smiling too much was unladylike. I wasn't ready for the lecture on modesty at all, nevertheless, he was very attentive to my every step with his eyes, looking at me like I was a snack.

In all I held the attention of everybody at the ball, mission accomplished.

“My darling,” Dad had a wide smile on his face as he opened his hands to take me into a hug when I had finally reached the floor “ you look stunning, your mother did well.” he turned to my mother and kissed her, they looked cute but that moment only lasted for a while. My mom glanced at me and took my hands in hers and we made our way to Prince Charles.

“Miss Lazabel,” he said as he saw us walking towards him.

“My lord.”  My mother bowed.

“No need for the informalities, ” he stopped her from going further with her bow, “And who is this damsel, if I may ask?” he added, staring at me.

“Oh please.”  She laughed a little like she had been the one who he complimented.

“This is Olivia Dennis, my last daughter I was telling you about.“ she squeezed my hands, prompting me to act. I bowed and smiled while he took my hand and lightly put his lips on them while looking at me.

“I'm going to leave so you guys get to know each other better,” and with no warning, she left me with a stranger.

“So... ” he said, trying to strike up a conversation. This was going to be a long night.