Chapter 9
1195 Words
(Esmeray POV)
It was evening, just 3 hours before the banquet starts. I have to leave in 2 hours since the ride is an hour long.
In front of me were two dresses arranged on a mannequin. One was the beautiful and grand red dress I brought and the other was the yellowish golden gown Ethan had brought for me to wear.
"The red really looks gorgeous" "She will be the star with the red dress on" "But Ethan gave her the other dress. She should wear it, right?"
All the maids behind me continued to voice their opinion.
I, on the other hand, had already made up my mind.
Always and forever I will choose the red dress. But I can't show it just like that. I stood there in front of the two for half an hour. Everyone thought I was debating but in reality, I was recreating the moment I will see the priceless look on Ethan's and my sister's faces when they see me in that.
"You know what, the red dress is really gorgeous but I have to wear the other one. It's how I should show my love for him." I concluded, nodding my head.
"You are right, Lady. Sir Ethan will be disappointed if you don’t wear it. You can always wear this one at other functions."
"Hmm," I hummed before walking to the nearby table. I took the coffee which was made for me and nodded my head sadly while taking a sip.
"You are right. He brought it for me with so much love" I tried not to throw up as I said those words. "What should I do? The red is so pretty and I really want to show off. But my love for Ethan". I stood in front of the yellowish gold dress with a pout to cover my disgust.
I took a step forward. I made sure I put my leg in front of my other, faking my own fall.
"Oh no!" I shouted as I fell down, pouring the coffee on the dress's skirt.
The maids shouted in shock. A few ran to me while a few went to look at the dress.
"Oh my god! The dress Ethan gave me!" I said dramatically, covering my eyes. "I ruined it. I thought I sucked at acting, but my god, even I am surprised as tears filled my eyes. I made a few sobs to sound dramatic, getting the sympathy of the maids.
Guess I am as skillful as that devilish sister of mine! I am so happy!
The maids tried to calm me down but my act was at its peak.
"Don’t worry. I am sure Sir Ethan will understand" "Yes, he is a very caring person. Besides, he will be happier seeing you in a more beautiful dress" "She is right. What more does a man want than to hear people comment on how lovely his lover is"
The maids made their full effort to make me happy.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course we are, lady. Now it's time to start getting ready. We have already lost half an hour."
"Alright"
I smiled internally as I gave a sob externally.
This was too easy to achieve. Who knew acting sympathetically could immediately attract attention and be claimed innocent?
I was given a quick bath and the maids wasted no time as they started to do their magic on me. I explained to them the style I wanted and they complimented me for my sense of fashion.
The entire usual routine of getting ready for the banquet happened in a blur and I was finally standing in front of the mirror impressed.
I looked stunning and I can say it out loud and proud. Although the dress was extravagant, the 'tears of dragon' really outshined it. So I had no choice but to remove it.
But in 5 minutes I started to feel everything was going wrong. Call me stupid but I ended up picking the jewellery. Since I am still debating on wearing it around my neck, I decided to double loop it and wear it as a bracelet.
Some help from the maids and the jewelry turned into a perfect bracelet which hid a little under the long net sleeve.
I was done just in time for departure. My parents had already ridden off with my sister and I was left alone to ride with Ethan.
How unlucky.
As I walked down the stairs, I saw Ethan sitting on the sofa waiting for me.
"Sir Ethan" I called as his head snapped at me.
"What the hell?" It was the first thing that popped out of his mouth on seeing me."What are you wearing?"
"A dress?"
"You know what I mean, Esme. Where is the one I brought you?"
I stayed silent as I didn’t want to answer him. I didn’t feel obligated to tell him, since I knew the latter effect on me.
"Sir Ethan, the dress you sent got ruined". It was one of the maids that decided to speak up.
"Ruined?"
"Yes. There was an accident and the skirt got completely ruined. Lucky for us, we had this dress."
Ethan looked at the maid and then at me. He had a disappointed look on his face and I felt so satisfied.
"It was a terrible accident," I said, trying to act sad.
"But Lady Esmeray is beautiful in this dress as well, isn’t she Sir Ethan?" one of the maids quickly said, seeing my sad look.
"O-oh yes" he didn’t seem pleased, but still he nodded so that he wouldn’t look like a jerk in front of everyone. "Let's go, we will be late."
I looked at the maid, who gave me a confident nod. I smiled at them as I walked behind Ethan.
God! I never thought this would be so damn pleasing!
When we entered the carriage, Ethan didn’t talk. He just stared at me.
"I know I look beautiful, but you don’t have to stare this hard"
"You look beautiful in this dress indeed, Esme. But I am sad you didn’t wear the one I brought."
"But what can I do that was ruined", I gave him an exaggerated pout, making him stare.
"Did I tell you that you changed?"
"Many times"
He stared at me once again. I could hear the gear in his head turning.
"It's true. You are no longer the quiet girl who looks up to me."
"Are you disappointed?" I raised one eyebrow at the man whose eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh no, I didn’t mean that. I actually find you really interesting. You seem more… you"
I frowned as I saw the man in front of me smile. I quickly turned my head, looking out the window.
What the hell is he saying? Has he gone completely crazy?
I was interrupted by my thoughts as my eyes fell on the beautiful scenery in the distance.
The grand palace was beautifully lit in the night sky. No matter how many times we look, we never feel tired of seeing such a beautiful scene.
It's almost time. Time for action!
- Writer
