Josette Marshall

It's been an hour since Audreya left. I've been trying to focus on my book, but couldn't. I took Connie out, but again couldn't stay for more than fifteen minutes. I've been trying again to watch my all-time favorite movie 'pride and prejudice', but if I'm being honest, I haven't focused on a single scene since it started. 

My phone buzzed with a notification,

Unknown; Heard you weren't feeling well. Sending you kisses!

-xoxo Sadie<3< strong>

Audreya might've lied to her because of my last-minute cancellation of plans, but I didn't know she knew about the fact that I was invited either. 

My cramps started again, I never had regular periods as the dates were almost always fluctuating. Audreya told me several times to get it checked, but I just didn't have time because of my tight schedule. Nevertheless, I never had this many severe cramps, so just for precaution, I called Abbey. She suggested I have a hot bath, which helped me a lot, so I stayed in for almost half an hour. 

After a nice hot relaxing bath, I came out to my phone buzzing with constant notifications from Audreya, Sadie, and to my shock Christian too, all of them asking where I was and why wasn't I replying, except for Christian who sent me a picture of Noah and Audreya with a text, 'wish you were here'. Just then I decided to leave everything and get dressed because something in me wanted me to go and not miss out on such a pleasant experience no matter what was going to happen there. 

I didn't even check what was in the box that Christian sent me, so I rushed and grabbed the box out of Audreya's room.

As I untied the satin ribbon securing the gift box, anticipation bubbled within me. The box, adorned with a glimmering bow, held a promise of something special. With delicate fingers, I carefully lifted the lid, revealing a burst of bright, shiny yellow that caught my eye. 

My breath caught in a moment of awe as I beheld the radiant dress inside. The vibrant yellow hue seemed to dance with sunlight, casting a warm and inviting glow. The fabric, a delicate net, exuded a lightness that hinted at the ethereal quality of the garment within. It held the promise of a dress that could make me feel as though I were stepping into a dream. My fingers gently brushed over the fabric, marveling at its softness. The dress, a creation of artistry, seemed to shimmer with every movement. The play of light on the net revealed a subtle sophistication, and as I lifted the dress from the box, the crystals delicately carved on the waist sparkled, catching the light and sending a cascade of glimmers across the room. 

My gaze lingered on the intricate details, the real crystals adorning the waistline like tiny jewels. Each facet reflected a story, a moment captured in the brilliance of the crystals. I marveled at the craftsmanship and the way they adorned the dress like a constellation of stars, adding a touch of glamour to the already stunning ensemble.

As I held the dress before me, I couldn't help but imagine the way it would drape over my figure, the way it would catch the light as I moved. In my mind's eye, I envisioned myself wearing the dress, each step accompanied by a subtle rustle of the net and a twinkle of the crystals.

A smile played on my lips, a mixture of gratitude and excitement. The dress, a gift that seemed to hold the magic of celebration, spoke to me in a language of elegance and joy. It was more than just fabric and crystals; it was a tangible embodiment of thoughtfulness and beauty, waiting to be worn and cherished. 

The box looked expensive, but the dress was extravagant. 

As I slipped into the dress, I couldn't help but feel like a princess, and a completely different person. I adorned my eyes with a touch of gold shimmer to match the bright yellow dress, creating a captivating harmony of hues. The blush on my cheeks and lips mirrored each other, completing the polished look. 

The look seemed perfect until another issue arrived, shoes. I never owned a pair of heels I, was always a sneakers girl. Plus, there was no venue or occasion where I couldn't confidently sport them, but only if Audreya wouldn't know about it unless I told her which I wouldn't. 

I poured an extra dog food into Connie's bowl before leaving and was all ready to leave. My Uber was almost here, and I did the final check of the house by switching off the extra lights and checking the stove. 

It took me half an hour to reach the location Christian sent. 

The grandeur of the expansive house, reminiscent of a castle, is immediately striking. Tall turrets reach skyward, creating a commanding presence against the backdrop. The facade boasts intricate architectural details, with ornate stonework and perhaps a combination of towers, balconies, and large, imposing windows. 

At the entrance of this grand castle-like house, a stately ambiance is set by a captivating water fountain situated in the middle. The fountain, adorned with intricate sculptures and surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, becomes the focal point. Water cascades gracefully, creating a soothing melody that complements the visual spectacle.

As you approach, the sight of the imposing house comes into view. Turrets rise elegantly against the sky, and the entrance door, perhaps embellished with elaborate carvings or a distinctive design, beckons with an air of grandeur.

I got out of the car and approached the main entrance guarded by two individuals. I walked over to them and recognized that one of them was Henry, the one who came with the gift box this evening. "Ms. Marshall."

 "Henry." I sang his name. The other guard was a lady. "Am I late?"

Not letting his professionalism go, he replied, "The guest started to arrive at 7, so I guess you are. Very late." I made the 'oh shit' face and he could tell clearly, I knew it. "Hurry before the party ends." He began to open the gigantic door behind him until I, "Wait. Is this the main door?" I could tell by his 'yeah, no shit' expression that this was the worst possible thing I could've asked. "What I meant was, would people know if I entered through this door? Because a grand appearance would be the last thing I wanted to do right now."

 "All the people inside would notice if this entrance opened because this is the only front entrance guests were allowed from." He cleared my confusion. I cleared my throat and began to speak with the most annoyingly sweet voice. "Henry, you know you're the best bodyguard anyone could ever have, and you're so strong and healthy as well. How old are you?"

 "38." I faked gasping and touched my chest with my left hand while stretching my right one. "That's bullshit because you don't look older than 25, honestly." The other lady guard was fully cringed out, I could tell by her expression. She whispered in Henry's ear something, but he didn't even flinch. "Ms. Marshall, could you please provide more clarity? What precisely are you attempting to convey?"

 "Could you please, uh, let me enter through some other secret door?" He was about to say something when I joined both my hands with the elbows pressed against the torso. "Please, please. Pretty please." He looked at the woman and then with a nod, he directed me towards the possible hidden entrance. 

We approached a normal-looking door on the side of the house, instead of using the massive entrance, turned out it was the kitchen. I was behind Henry so all the staff didn't see me at first. One glance from him and none of them even dared to inspect again who was behind him. I swiftly walked past the staff while chanting 'I'm sorry' and 'pretend I'm not here' while each one of them ignored my presence. 

It was a massive residence, a majestic grand domicile. The chandelier, the decorations, the lights, everything was perfect, and the thought or possibility of blinking and coming back to my boring world seemed too real. Everything was so shiny and golden which matched my dress so perfectly. 

Henry sought permission to depart, but I stopped him. "I'm sorry, but are the Larsens celebrating something tonight?" He nodded, "It's the 25th wedding anniversary of sir and madam Larsen." Holy shi⎼ 

That stupid did not tell me about that, what the fuck? "Henry, I might need another favor from you, please." 

"It's ok, what is it?" Look at him, so understanding and calm. I bet the reason that idiot didn't tell me was because he wanted to humiliate me in front of all these big personalities. "I didn't bring anything for them, I know I should've but unfortunately your 'Mr. Larsen' forgot to tell me about the anniversary. So, would you mind getting me a nice, and beautiful flower bouquet? Pretty please." And then I joined my hands again just like I did outside. "Don't worry Ms. Marshall, you don't have to ask me if you need anything. You can just command me, and you'll get anything you wish for. Just give me 10 minutes and I'll get you a bouquet." Then he left, and I was all alone at this famous people's party until I accidentally ran into someone. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Holy cow, I ruined your suit."

"Don't worry miss, calm down, it's alright." The guy seemed nice. He was tall, probably 5'9 foot with green eyes, blond hair, and a charming face which reminded me of someone. "Here, take my handkerchief. You'll need one." He had champagne in one hand while his other one searched for something in his left pocket. "I do carry mine, but I'll take yours as a way to accept your apologies. I hope you'll stop saying sorry now, will you?" I chuckled. He was Aaron Warner in real life. 

"I'm Samuel Blythe by the way." He shifted the glass in his left hand and raised his right one for a handshake. "Nice ruinion, Samuel. I'm Josette Marshall." I raised mine too. 

"Ruinion?" He kept shaking my hand, "Ruin, as in… your suit." I did an awkward laugh while he seemed cringed out to me. Exactly two seconds later he burst out laughing which made me somehow uncomfortable because the joke wasn't even that funny. 

"Billy?" Someone spoke behind me taking Samuel's whole attention toward themselves. "Daisy." A familiar woman came forward and hugged him. She slightly turned to look at the lady standing before him. 

"Jo! Oh my god, I thought you weren't feeling well!" She hugged me with excitement and I did the same. Henry still wasn't here, and I was hoping that I wouldn't meet any more Larsens till then. "I was feeling better, and I didn't like to turn you down." The expression on her face changed as soon as she realized there was Samuel. "You guys know each other?", she asked in a surprising tone. "Not really, we just met." I spoke first and then he spoke, "but I intend to." 

Sadie took my hand, saying "Excuse us for a moment." We walked past him. We went a little too far, and she turned to me and said, "Oh my god, I can't believe you're here. Audrey said you weren't feeling well. Are you okay?"

"Everything's good, I'm fine now. Just a little stomach ache." While were chatting Sadie's eyes shifted to someone behind me. She didn't say anything, except just shook her head in the way to make me turn around. Holy shit, now that was something. "I'll leave you too love birds here." Sadie giggled and walked away, but none of us cared enough to deny the fact that we weren't love birds. 

He didn't take his eyes off of me since he spotted me here, and neither did I. I was surely mesmerized by how decently handsome he looked. 

"Can you stop looking at me like that?" Him still unable to take his eyes off of her, "like what?" I walked and stood beside him in awkwardness while he was still looking at me, and I spoke sarcastically, "Like you're fucking in love with me."