Chapter 21
Chapter 21
The night passed by in a blur. Marcelene had dashed out to fetch the medicine prescribed for my stitched hand. When she returned later, she snuck back in through the kitchen elevator–ne of the few secrets I had shared with her.
Blanket and pillow along, settling on the floor This time, she finally gave in to my request to sleep over. She carried her despite my protests for her to take the bed. When I suggested watching a movie, she shut off the lights without a word, ignoring my mock untrum. Still, I smiled, the simple presence of her bringing a small sense of comfort to the storm. brewing inside me.
Maybe I was just overthinking. I had already changed so much about my fate. Of course, some things were bound to stay the same, right? So what if a few old scars seemed to linger? I wasn’t marrying Jaxon, Marcelene and her brother would live, and the war would end with Celeste’s marriage.
With that hopeful thought, I drifted off to sleep.
Morning came and went in a haze of lessons and mundane routines. Marcelene, as usual, suffered through my teasing during the drives, rolling her eyes at my antics but never truly annoyed.
When I finally returned home, my heart sank as I walked into my room. The black dress I’d meticulously chosen for the ball was gone. In its place lay a hideous brown monstrosity–ruffled, frumpy, and completely unsuitable for the evening.
My stomach churned. No, no, no… This couldn’t be happening. I clenched my fists, calling for a maid, who timidly admitted that Mrs. Lethia had been in my room earlier. 1 felt anger boil in my chest as I stormed toward her chambers.
The sight of her lounging in front of her vanity, her blonde hair being blow–dried while she scrolled through her phone, did little to soothe my temper. I tooka deep breath, forcing myself to speak as politely as possible.
“Mother.” I began, my voice tight, “may I know where my dress?”
She glanced up lazily, her silver beady eyes meeting mine. “What do you mean? It’s on your bed. Didn’t you see it?”
“The one I bought,” I clarified through gritted teeth. “The black one.”
Realization dawned on her face, and she feigned an apologetic expression. “Oh, that one. Poor Celeste spilled hot chocolate on it. She’s been crying all day. I told her not to worry–her big sister wouldn’t be angry over something so small, right? Besides, I replaced it with an antique dress. Very highly priced.”
My blood boiled, my hands trembling as I fought back tears. The mother–daughter duo strikes again. Without another word, I turned on my heel and left, biting my tongue to keep from screaming.
Time was ticking away mercilessly. Only about an hour or two remained before I had to be ready, and I was stuck with that hideous dress. My anger simmered, tears spilling over as I bumped into August in the hallway.
“Why aren’t you ready yet?” he demanded, his sharp eyes narrowing.
“Leave me alone,” I muttered, trying to slip past him.
!
But he grabbed my wrist, his grip firm. I asked you something How dare you ignore me?”
The dam broke. I yanked my arm free, glaring at him as tears streamed down my face. “What? Are you going to punish me for not answering your stupid question?”
Why are you being rude?” Ash’s booming voice cut through the tension as he approached, flanked by Aiden. Perfect. The
three musketeers.
I rolled my eyes, sneering. “Go cry about it.”
Chapter 21
Without waiting for a response, I stored off. I didn’t care anymore. They had betrayed me in the past, and I had suffered their antics in childhood as well, I wasn’t going to pretend to respect them now.
When I finally made it back to my room, defeat weighed heavily on me. The brown dress mocked me from the bed, a cruel reminder of how complacent I’d been.
My phone buzzed, and without checking the caller ID, I answere
“You left your mask and jewelry here,” Celeste’s annoyed voice ene through. Ten throwing it away if you don’t come pick it up.”
I sniffled. “Do whatever you want. I don’t need it anymore.” I hung up before she could reply..
Not even three minutes later, a loud banging on my balcony window startled me. I whipped around to see icy blue eyes glaring at me through the glass, Marcelene. I rushed to open the door as her cherry–red wolf leapt inside, shifting back into her human form in a blink.
“What the hell are you crying about now?” she demanded, her arms crossed.
I hiccuped, unable to form words. Marcelene rolled her eyes, grabbing a glass of water from my nightstand and shoving it into my hands.
Between gulps and snifflesal explained everything.
“That is a very ugly dress,” she deadpanned after I finished.
“I know!” I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “Should I just fake a fever and skip the ball?”
She shook her head firmly. “No way. Cinderella went to the ball, and so will you.”
I couldn’t help the wry smile that spread. “But I don’t have a fairy godmother.”
Her lips curved into a smirk, “No, you have something better.” She paused dramatically. “Me.”
I blinked, stunned. “What-?”
“Grab scissors, thread, and a needle,” she ordered, moving toward my wardrobe. “And let me see your wardrobe.”
Scrambling to obey, I handed her the tools she asked for. Marcelene sifted through my pitiful wardrobe, her expression one of pure disgust.
“Even if you are a bastard child, this is ridiculous. Your family has no taste.”
Modded solemnly. “Agreed.”
“Go shower,” she said, waving me off. “Finish your hair and makeup while I work.”
Forty–five minutes later, I was ready. My hair was straightened, a delicate braid pinned back with the crystal butterfly clip I was starting to adore. Marcelene stood back, surveying her creation.
“What. The. Fuck?” My jaw dropped as I took in the dress she had crafted.
She had merged my plain red silk dress–the same one from that night–and a lacy black new one I had recently bought into a stunning masterpiece. The gown hugged my figure perfectly, flaring out into a mermaid–style skirt. Delicate black and brown lace adorned the neckline, plunging into a sweetheart cut with thin spaghetti straps.
“Did you actually use that hideous dress as well?” I asked incredulously, staring at the brown lacy details.
11:39 Tue, Jan 14 GU
Chapter 21
“Mhmm.” She sighed, looking down at the mess of fabric in the om, “I actually wanted to be a fashion designer when I was younger, Marcelene said with a shrug, a smug grin on her face.
Tears welled up in my eyes. I threw my arms around her, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. “You really are my fairy godmother.”
She recoiled, pretending to gag. “None of that sappy shit.”
I laughed, wiping my tears. “I guess this Cinderella won’t be late the ball.” I winked.
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