The - Mercedes-Benz S-Class glided smoothly through the night, finally pulling up to the grand entrance of the grand imperial hotel where flashing lights and chatter filled the air. A red carpet stretched out before them, leading to the magnificent venue glowing with warm, golden light.
The driver stepped out and opened the door.
First, Isabella stepped out in her emerald gown. The heavy satin fabric cascaded around her like liquid greenery, the folds sweeping elegantly onto the carpet. She stood tall, the diamonds at her waist sparkling under the spotlights, looking every bit the vision of elegance and grace.
Right behind her, Florence emerged. In her striking royal blue velvet dress, she commanded attention instantly. The off-shoulder design and dramatic ruffles made her look powerful and confident, like a sapphire standing out against the night.
As they began to walk forward, heads turned everywhere. The contrast between Isabella's soft, flowing beauty and Florence's bold, striking glamour created a mesmerizing sight. They didn't just arrive—they made an entrance, stopping conversations and capturing every eye in the entrance.they reached the entrance, and as Isabella searched her bag frantically, her face turned pale.
"I can't find it!" she panicked. "It was right here! I know I brought it. Where could it have gone?"
Florence looked at her, feigning annoyance and shaking her head. "How could you lose something so important? Without an invitation, how do you expect to get in?"
But what Isabella didn't know was that Florence had actually taken the card from her bag earlier herself. She had done it on purpose, planning to see her struggling at the door, wanting to watch and later being the hero, using the situation to get her trust.
Smirking secretly to herself, Florence pulled out a spare card from her clutch.
"Lucky for you... good thing I brought an extra," she said smoothly, waving it in front of Isabella's eyes."Oh, thank you so much, Florence!"
Isabella breathed out, letting out a sigh of relief.
With the card presented, the security guards smiled and opened the doors for them. They stepped inside the magnificent venue, and instantly, the atmosphere wrapped around them—filled with soft music, sparkling chandeliers, and the buzz of excited chatter.As they walked gracefully into the grand hall, heads turned instantly. A soft wave of whispers rippled through the crowd, following them wherever they went.
"Who is that lady standing beside Florence?" someone murmured. "I have never seen her face before."
"You don't know her?" another voice replied quietly. "She is said to be Florence's stepsister."
"Really? But that's strange," came the response. "I have never seen her at any social gathering, nor at any of the elite events before. She is practically a mystery."
Isabella could feel the eyes on her, but she held her head high, looking elegant and radiant in her emerald gown, walking confidently by Florence's side.
As they stepped gracefully into the hall, the music seemed to fade slightly as eyes turned towards them. A wave of curious murmurs rippled through the crowd, following their every move.
"Look over there... who is that stunning lady walking right beside Florence?" someone whispered loudly. "I have been to so many high-class events, but I swear I have never seen her face before in my life."
"You really don't know who she is?" another voice replied, sounding surprised. "She is Isabella... she is actually Florence's stepsister."
"Is that so?" came the shocked response. "But that is so strange! I have never seen her make an appearance at any social gathering, nor at any of these elite functions before. She has always stayed away from the spotlight, completely hidden from the public eye."
"Exactly! She is like a total mystery," someone else added. "Everyone knows Florence, but this sister of hers... she is practically a ghost. No one knows what she looks like, what she does, or where she has been all these years. Seeing her here tonight, looking this elegant and beautiful... it is quite a surprise, isn't it?"
"She looks so different from what I imagined," another voice chimed in. "So quiet and graceful, yet she carries herself with so much class. I wonder why she decided to show up tonight after staying hidden for so long?"As they walked further inside, the murmurs grew louder and more intense, following them like a shadow.
"Look at her... she looks so elegant, but honestly, nobody ever sees her," one lady whispered, covering her mouth with her fan. "You really don't know the story?
Rumours has it that,Whenever her father, Mr. Harrison goes out of the country, Florence's mother treats her terribly. She isn't allowed to go anywhere or attend anything. They say she is practically treated like a servant in her own home!"
"Is that true?" another gasped softly, eyes wide with shock. "No wonder she is never seen at parties! She is locked away and hidden."
"Exactly!" the first woman continued. "But the moment Mr. Harrison returns to the country? Oh, everything changes instantly. Suddenly, she is dressed up, placed right at the front, and treated like a real princess. It is all just an act to show the father how kind they are."
"Oh my goodness..." someone else sighed. "That is truly heartbreaking. She has to live like that, pretending everything is perfect only when her father is watching."