Chapter 11: Expectation.

I did as what Merida instructed me. I wore the dress and puts some makeup on my face with the expensive brands lying on one of the white cabinets across my bed. It has an oblong shaped mirror framed in a shiny golden steel, just like in the movies, although it wasn't pink.

"Isn't what I'm attending to, a reunion, though? I'm not part of your family." I said as I get close to Galina, not even bothering to greet her or anything since I am more bothered by the fact that I will feel like a sheep among these wolves.

She tilted her head, and looked at me from up and down.

"You look like an art." she finally uttered, with a smirk plastered on her face. She tucked in her hand on the pocket of her cream slacks, while letting her coat hang from her shoulders. She also has gold chains around her neck, and attached to her lavender blouse.

"Isn't it unfair how you're secured while I am here struggling to keep it down low. Fuck." I complained.

The dress is literally too short, I doubt you'll even call it a dress. I've been pulling it down since I came to meet her, but I couldn't bear it I asked for a skirt or shorts just to prevent it being seen. Did they fulfill it? Of fucking course not. It will be disobeying orders, they said. It's not a problem, they said. I've been screaming in my head all this time that IT IS!

"Huh. Is it really that short?" Galina had the audacity to doubt my reaction when she already sees it.

"Yes, Galina. It's too fucking short." I replied irritated and pulled it down another time to show her what my deal is.

"Would you like another dress then? That's the only dress I prepared. Didn't know you'll dislike it."

I raised my eyebrows on her, looking quite unbelievable.

"Did you seriously made it custom to such length?" I scoffs, hands on my waist with a sigh, "You know my pajama size but not my dress size? Wow! So fucking believable. This is absurd." I continued.

She sighed and removed her coat to tie it up around my waist.

"Oh there. You wear that while we look for some alternative dress, okay? Stop grumbling." she uttered and backed her head up, checking me out. "Doesn't look really bad, how about you just wear my coat like that?" she smirked and laughed.

"Fuck you." I muttered.

We went back inside. She led me to a different path across the hall we was in yesterday, also on the second floor. On the end of the other hall was a door painted white, while the other doors are just varnished oak wood.

Galina turned the knob in a hurry, and as the door swings open, it reveals a dazzling sight of shines reflecting the sun's.

"This is a closet. My closet specifically. Come and pick what you like." Galina said and pulled me inside as she closes the door.

I do wonder, if this mansion is a family use, then could the other rooms be a closet too for the other members? Upstairs maybe, since this is a three-story mansion which is very big and wide; perfect for a big family wouldn't it.

We are now in their garden, which is obviously pretty big. There are white tables with consumables and drinks, also chairs meticulously aligned. People are everywhere, chatting and vibing with each other with a glass of champagne on their hands.

"Where's Iñigo?" I tugged Galina's coat.

"They said they're here.." Galina checked her wrist watch, looking kinda worried.

"Uh, Maxine you stay here, alright? I'll just get them." she said and rans away. I brushed it off and took a sip of my champagne when a man suddenly came up to me.

"Maxine?? Maxine Alexandrovna Golubev isn't it?" the man said, surprised and was overjoyed. I gave him a slow smile, "Yes.. I am."

The man's jaw dropped. "Oh my gosh! I am a fan of yours ma'am!" he said enthusiastically. He reached out his right hand, while holding a glass on the other, "I'm Caesar Igorovich Chekov. It's very nice to meet you!"

I took his hands, "Yes, it's my pleasure." as I puts up an automated smile.

"You know, Ma'am Maxine, I don't know if you got the message but we're actually offering you an interview about your new released movie with Josefino Diaz, The Massacre. Did your manager not tell you?"

"Huh? Oh, really? I didn't get a single message about that.." I awkwardly laughed, I remembered losing my phone in Galina's place.

"Oh, that's strange..." he nods. He kept his stare on me, as if he wanted to say something more, twirling his glass and tapping his shoe.

"What—"

"May I ask? Why are you here?" Caesar said, clicking his mouth and eyebrow furrowed, as he casually cuts me off.

I was surprised, and was nervous. I don't know what to say, and my vision suddenly became dizzy. "I- uh, I'm here because- uh." I kept on stuttering. I tried hard to focus and calm myself, but I couldn't help it and was about to turn and run away when I bumped into Galina's chest.

"She's my mistress." Galina spoke coldly. She held my back and hugged me softly, "Excuse us, Caesar." she said and got me out of there into a place where no one is chatting, no one is around me—just Galina.