“Nothing… much.”
“Nothing much is not nothing. Anything fun?”
“No,” she shook her head.
“You seem to have something to say to me,” he said, looking at her closely.
“Yes, yes, I wanted… to thank you for the phone. Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Ari,” he said, but that wasn’t what he wanted to hear. “Is that all? Is that all you want to say to me?”
“Hm,” she nodded.
He extended his hand towards her. “Fine, your phone,” he requested.
“Huh?” she was taken aback, but he gestured for her to hand it over, which she did.
Is he taking it back? Did I say something wrong? she thought, disturbed. When she saw him frown as he typed something on her phone, she grew anxious.
He wanted to save his phone number on her phone, but when he saw that Clinton’s number was saved as number one, it caused him to frown.
“Did… I do something… wrong?”
“Why is the old man’s number saved as number one on your phone?”
“Huh? Um… he was showing me how to save numbers, and he used his as an example,” she explained.
Is that why he’s frowning? Because his number isn’t number one? Clarisse couldn’t believe it as she thought in her mind.
Christian didn’t say anything else. He deleted Clinton’s number, then saved his number as number one. He added Clinton’s number back, but as number two, and saved his number under “mine only” before handing the phone back to her.
Clarisse took it back, unaware of what he had done.
“Have you eaten?”
“I’m fine,” she said, but he looked at her sternly, making her uncomfortable. “I’m not hungry yet.”
“I’ll wait for you then.”
“No, no, no, you don’t have to wait. I’m not hungry at all…” Before she could finish her statement, her stomach grumbled, betraying her and making her wish the sofa would open up and swallow her.
Christian smiled. “Someone is not in agreement with your lips,” he said, standing up and heading toward the door. “Let’s eat, Ari.”
It was a cool, peaceful day for Clarisse as she enjoyed her time listening to music on her phone. She sang along with her favorite song while sewing her clothes at the same time. She was having a good time when Clinton entered the room with some maids, all holding different boxes. They bowed before her as soon as they entered, and she slowly dropped the dress she was working on, wearing a curious expression.
“What’s going on?” she asked, directing the question at Clinton.
“It’s master’s sister’s birthday today, ma’am.”
“Ashley?”
“Yes.”
“Happy birthday to her… but…” she looked down at the boxes they were all carrying.
“You’ll be attending the birthday party, ma’am.”
“What?! No, no, I’m not going.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I should have informed you yesterday, but it slipped my mind.”
“It’s fine, but I’m not going,” she shook her head.
“But master already thought you’d be dressed up, and he’s on his way to pick you up,” Clinton lied.
“Huh?”
“Don’t worry, ma’am. Everything you need has already been taken care of,” he said, gesturing for the maids to get to work.
Before Clarisse could protest, they sat her down on the dressing stool and began working on her face. It happened so fast that she didn’t have time to stop them or protest.
Christian stood outside, beside his expensive Rolls Royce, waiting patiently for Clarisse to come out. He had just arrived to pick her up for the event, and Clinton had told him she was already heading outside. He was dressed in black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a black suit with a shawl neckline. His well-polished black desert boots shone as he tucked his left hand into his pocket, operating his phone with his right hand.
He was busy with his phone when he heard the clicking sound of heels approaching. He looked up from his phone, and his lips parted. Walking toward him was a goddess of beauty he couldn’t look away from. He was mesmerized, unable to blink as he couldn’t stop staring.
She was dressed in a gown that exuded elegance and sophistication, crafted from the finest silk satin. The gown draped beautifully, accentuating the natural curves of Clarisse with a fluid grace. Its rich, deep wine color was both regal and timeless, evoking a sense of opulence and refinement.
The bodice of the gown was intricately embellished with hand-sewn crystals and delicate beadwork, forming a stunning pattern that caught the light with every movement. A sweetheart neckline added a touch of romance, while the fitted waistline was cinched with a silk sash adorned with a vintage brooch, encrusted with emeralds and diamonds.
The gown featured long, flowing sleeves made from sheer chiffon, adding an ethereal quality to the ensemble. Every detail of the gown was meticulously designed to exude luxury and sophistication, ensuring that she felt like royalty. This gown was not just a dress; it was a statement piece, a symbol of elegance and timeless beauty.
She wore a pair of beautiful earrings that matched the dress, black ankle-strap pump heels that complemented the gown, and her hair was neatly styled in a ponytail. On her right hand was a black barrel purse.
“You look so beautiful,” Christian complimented as she approached him while the maids stood five meters away. The compliment felt new to her, and she experienced a different sensation.
“Really?” she asked, unsure, as she felt the entire setup was overwhelming.
“Trust me, your beauty is incomparable,” he replied with a smile and opened the door for her to enter.
If only she knew where she was going, she wouldn’t have questioned the dress setup. It was a short drive, as there was no traffic, so they arrived at the venue, even though the celebration was already in full swing. She could hear the buzzing of noise and music coming from the venue. Her heart skipped a beat, and her palms were sweating. She felt out of place in such a gathering and began to think that coming was a mistake.
She didn’t know when Christian got out of the car and opened the door next to her.
“Hey, princess,” he called with a smile, jolting her from her overthinking. She looked up at him with a pleading gaze, silently asking him to let her stay in the car, but he took her hand and pulled her out.
They walked into the venue, a huge hall, and Christian was immediately recognized. He was welcomed by other elites who surrounded him with greetings. They quickly separated him from Clarisse, pushing her aside. He tried to walk away, but she was out of sight in an instant. He looked around for her, but Clarisse, not wanting any attention, slipped into the crowd of guests and made her way into the hall, doing her best to remain unnoticed. If only she knew that would be her worst mistake.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by a grand entrance adorned with a striking gradient archway that transitioned from deep, regal purples at the base to shimmering gold at the top, symbolizing a journey of elegance. The pathway to the main area was lined with plush red carpets, flanked by ambient lighting that changed colors gradually, enhancing the gradient effect.
She thought the inside would be as crowded as the outside, but she was mistaken. The inside was spacious and beautiful. The area featured luxurious furnishings and decor. The walls were draped with gradient fabrics, and the ceiling was adorned with cascading chandeliers that reflected the color transitions beautifully. Comfortable seating areas with velvet cushions in varying shades complemented the theme. Each table was set with fine china, crystal glassware, and intricate centerpieces made of fresh flowers arranged in gradient hues.
A renowned DJ provided entertainment, playing soft jazz and contemporary music that elevated the atmosphere. A dance floor, illuminated with gradient LED lights, invited guests to dance the night away. For added glamour, a live performance by a celebrity artist or an aerial silk performance in gradient costumes captivated the audience.
The menu was curated by a Michelin-starred chef, offering a gourmet dining experience with a series of courses that reflected the gradient theme, from appetizers to desserts. Think of a gradient sushi platter, rainbow-colored cocktails, and a dessert table with ombre cakes and pastries. A professional mixologist served signature drinks that changed color as they were poured, adding a magical touch to the evening. Guests also enjoyed interactive elements, such as a gradient-themed photo booth with high-quality props and instant prints. Personalized gifts or luxury goodie bags awaited each guest, featuring high-end skincare products, designer accessories, and bespoke keepsakes, all beautifully wrapped in gradient packaging.
The highlight of the evening was the birthday cake – a multi-tiered masterpiece that transitioned in color from the base to the top, adorned with edible gold leaf and intricate sugar flowers. As the cake was brought out, the lights dimmed, and a stunning fireworks display synchronized with music lit up the sky, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that left the guests in awe.
The moment she stepped onto the red carpet, walking into the breathtaking room, all eyes fell on her. Every gaze was on her, and she immediately felt intimidated and small, reminded of the gossip, the harsh words, and the fingers that pointed at her. on her wedding day, the echoes of their laughter replayed in her head, causing her to drop her head, her hand trembling. She was unable to move her leg. The first words she heard when she tried to escape her traumatic moment were:
“Isn’t that the woman who cheated on her husband?”
“I know, right? The shameless woman who divorced her husband one month after marriage and jumped into another man’s bed for money.”
Alice felt on top of the world as she basked in the limelight she had always wanted. She greeted almost every lady in the hall, showing off her dress. When the celebrant entered, she was thrilled to hear the gossip that she looked more beautiful than her.
She walked towards Ashley, her face beaming with smiles, while Ashley’s face was hardened with a frown.
“Happy birthday, Ashley,” Alice cooed as she approached her and hugged her, which clearly irritated Ashley.
“Thank you,” Ashley replied coldly, forcing a fake smile.
“You look so beautiful today,” Alice complimented.
“Thank you. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to steal my attention,” Ashley accused.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.