xs

- Yes, but she's not. - She said. - Not in this house.

- Uh, what a shame. - She clutches her bag against her chest, looking scandalized. - All I needed was a staff while I was here. Are you sure she can't serve me?

- Don't be arrogant, Caroline. You're not a queen and she won't serve you.

- Oh, I know. - She sighed. I finally raised my hands in greeting. She took a few seconds before accepting the gesture, then looked at me with the crudest face ever.

- Oh, please, Caroline. - Ethan snorted. - What's the need for this scene?

- What scene? - she said. - You can treat these employees however you want, now I have to too? - She rolled her eyes.

- No, Caroline, you don't have to, but I expected you to at least be nice," he said rudely.

- "Unnecessary," she huffed. - It'll only be two days, I think I can handle it. I'm sorry, Nicole, let's start again. - He held out his hand to me with the dirtiest face in the world. I politely accepted.

- Now, little cousin, how about escorting me to my room? - she said while making a fake pout.

I saw that he had a second of indecision. Ethan looked me in the eye and I had the slight impression that he wanted me to ask him to stay. However, I gave him an encouraging smile to go with her. Although we hadn't finished our conversation, she was his cousin, and I... well, I was nothing.

And in the situation I found myself in, I couldn't be.

Four hours later, I was deciding what to wear. I hadn't taken many clothes. Luckily, the girls had sent at least two outfits for this kind of event. I was ready to start getting dressed when I heard Maria calling me from the other side of the door.

- Yes... Just a second. - I opened the door. Maria was standing there, holding a large golden box.

- Oh, you look beautiful, Maria! - I said, smiling. The little lady, dressed elegantly, twirled around herself.

- Thank you very much, young lady! - She smiled. - I see you're not ready yet.

- Yes, I'm actually wondering what to wear. - I gave her a loose smile.

- Don't be! - She held out the big box to me.

- What's this?

- Mr. Colleri asked me to bring it to you. He wanted to deliver it himself, but Caroline arrived, and she always demands a lot of attention from Mr. Colle. - He rolled his eyes, making me laugh.

- "I see," I said, as I sat down. I slowly pulled the ribbon from the box and opened it. Inside was a red dress. I sighed deeply as I unfolded it and watched it fall onto the bed. - It's so beautiful," I said softly. - But I can't accept it, Maria. I have my own dresses. I looked at the two pieces on my bed.

She looked at me doubtfully and added: - Mr. Colleri would be very honored if you wore it. Don't get me wrong, but he was very excited about choosing that dress. I've never seen him like that. Besides, he won't take no for an answer.

- Were you with him?

- My child, you'd be surprised how I manage to divide my time. There have been many complaints about dressing you in a PP uniform, but I can control the man. - She smiles. - He seems a bit possessive around you. That might seem, uh, singular. - She looks at me expectantly. - But I assure you that Ethan has a habit of taking care of what belongs to him.

- I don't belong to him. Only myself, Maria. - I say softly.

- Yes, of course. I don't doubt that. But he's always taken care of everything here on the estate. So it belongs to him somehow. - She turns to look at me, her eyebrows raised with amusement.

I forget that for a moment and pick up a small note that's stuck to the box and start to read.

May you be as beautiful as you usually are. May you radiate light as you do every day, and may you, at least today, be mine. Our dance awaits us.

Note: You win, size xs.

Yours truly, Ethan.

My heart was beating so fast I could feel it at the base of my throat.

- You like him, don't you? - Maria startled me with her voice. I had forgotten she was still there. I tried to control my smile as I remembered her words in the note.

- He's just charming. - I explained. - And so kind. Caring. I feel good to have him around.

- Oh, there's nothing bad about liking him, miss. He's really charming," I said with a wink. - What's more, he looks at you in a way I've never seen him look at anyone.

Oh, no, the conversation was getting weird.

He was flirting with me. That's all. Why on earth would someone like him be interested in me? I didn't consider myself a woman who attracted attention. Apart from being pregnant. That part he had no idea about. But even so, Ethan probably had women who threw themselves at him all the time. Women. Elegant, intelligent, beautiful women who could give him everything he needed. I was just a hobby, just a diversion until he got back to New York.

- Well then, I'll get dressed, Maria. - I smiled politely and followed him to the door.

Once I was alone, I got rid of my bathrobe. I still had the same body, with no evidence of a possible pregnancy. Only my breasts were bigger and sore.

The dress went up easily, he had bought the exact size. My breasts were more prominent, but not at all vulgar. Wow. Vivian would finally think I was "hot". The red dress was strapless, with a mermaid train. I wore sandals that luckily I'd brought in my suitcase, and they were the same color. I just put a clip in my hair. When I got downstairs, my ears were invaded by beautiful instrumental music. There were people everywhere. Waiters were serving champagne and all kinds of snacks. My eyes ran around the place looking for Ethan. People were moving around, laughing, interacting. I felt a bit lost. I spotted Maria on the other side of the room, immersed in conversation. Will was running around in silence, probably looking after security. He just gave me a nod. I also spotted a very handsome man, the same size as Colle. Dark brown hair, tuxedo. He looked at me from time to time, and I had to keep looking away. A few minutes later, I saw Colle walking towards me through the crowd.

- You look beautiful! - He lowered his gaze and kissed my hand formally. - So beautiful that it hurt to look at it.

My body shuddered at his touch.

- I'm glad you wore the dress. It looks perfect on you.

- Thank you. - I blushed.

Then a waiter approached, offering us champagne. He took two glasses. Oh, shit. I smiled gently and pretended to drink.

"No drinking in pregnancy" - Wait here, there's someone I want you to meet. - He left and then came back with Mr. Handsome with brown hair.

- Nicole, this is Thomas.

I held out my hand for a shake. He kissed it and took a little longer than Colle. But unlike him, it didn't cause any reaction in me.

Colle watched calmly, he tightened his jaw muscles and I saw his arms flex and his veins bulge. I even assumed for a second that he was uncomfortable.

- "Hello," I said without humor.

- He's a good friend. - He rubbed my back. Thomas smiled.

The three of us talked for a few minutes. At times, I was a little lost, but Colle made a point of putting me at ease, getting me involved in the subject.

- I've traveled to many countries, but really, Ethan, what you have here is beautiful," said Thomas, referring to the property.

- "Yes," he replied. - I also have a great fondness for this place. And you know that I've traveled a lot, but today I'm trying to live a quiet life, in a place where I might be able to raise a family?

Thomas laughed. - Hey, man, you're right. After everything you've been through, you deserve a bit of calm.

- And do you travel a lot, Nicole? - Thomas asked as he took another sip of his drink.

- Well... I traveled a few times with my parents, before my father fell ill. I've also been to my friend Alice's parents' estate a few times. However, I don't know many places," she said embarrassed.