a night to remember

After what felt like an eternity, Michelle finally stepped back, and I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes widened in amazement. I looked... stunning.

Maya squealed with delight, "Oh my god, Ash, you're so pretty!"

I blushed, feeling a shy smile spread across my face. "Thanks," I murmured, still taking in my transformed appearance.

After my makeup was done, the stylists began working on my hair. My long, curly locks had always been a source of frustration for me, but others admired them, saying they complemented my dark skin tone.

As the stylists worked their magic, my hair transformed before my eyes. They brushed it up, leaving a few loose strands framing my face, and expertly laid my edges. I was mesmerized by my reflection.

The room erupted in a chorus of gasps and compliments. "Woah, you're absolutely gorgeous!" Maya and the makeup and hair team exclaimed in unison, followed by a fit of giggles that made me smile.

"Thank you," I said, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. One of the hairdressers added, "You look like a millionaire's wife!" I smiled, my cheeks growing warmer. "Thank you."

After Maya finished getting ready, I couldn't help but stare at her stunning beauty. She wore a breathtaking blue strapless ball gown that hugged her curves perfectly. Her brown hair cascaded down her back in loose, effortless curls. Her makeup was flawless, with a bold red lipstick that complemented her skin tone.

"So, how do I look?" Maya asked, spinning around to show off her gown.

"Gorgeous," I replied, meaning every word.

Maya beamed with a bright smile. "Thank you! Now, come on, we're late. We need to put on our shoes."

She handed me a pair of gold stilettos that sparkled in the light.

"I'll order an Uber," I said, pulling out my phone.

Maya's eyes widened in alarm. "No, no, no! Don't do that."

I stared at her, confused. "Why not? How else are we going to get there?"

Maya smiled mischievously. "My dad called a driver to pick us up, so we won't need to order a ride."

Just then, a man in his 40s appeared, dressed in a sleek black suit. "Miss Maya, I was instructed to pick you up."

Maya nodded, handing me my Dior bag. "Yeah, Bulker, I know. We'll be there in a second."

As we rode to the party, Maya regaled me with stories about her quirky family. She shared how her mischievous grandma once tried to swipe her first lip gloss, and how her mom was jealous of her because she "stole" her husband's attention. Maya also laughed about her big brother's constant teasing whenever she wore makeup, and how her sister-in-law amazingly managed to marry such a "beast."

I smiled and chuckled at her anecdotes, fascinated by her colorful family.

Before long, the car halted, and the driver announced our arrival. I gazed out the window, and my eyes widened in awe. The majestic mansion before us resembled a fairytale castle.

"C'mon," Maya said, stepping out of the sleek white Mercedes.

As I followed her, I couldn't help but ask, "Tell me the truth, are you a princess?"

Maya smiled coyly. "Of course not."

I stared at the grand estate, my wonder evident. "Your house is like a castle in a fairytale."

Maya simply smiled and gestured for me to follow her. "Let's go in."

As I entered, I was awestruck by the interior's breathtaking beauty. The grand chandelier, adorned with crystals of various colors, hung majestically from the ceiling. The air buzzed with conversation as elegantly dressed guests sipped wine and indulged in the rich scents surrounding us. I felt intimidated, out of my league.

Maya, however, was in her element. "Mom, Dad!" she squealed, rushing to greet her family.

I stood there, feeling awkward, until Mr. Hillard turned to me. "Oh, my little angel," he said, his voice warm and charming. His chiseled features, clean-shaven chin, and gray hair made him look elegant and refined.

Mrs. Hillard, Maya's mother, approached us, her brown hair styled in a sleek bun. Her brown eyes sparkled, and her full lips, painted red, curved into a smile. Her wine-red dress complemented her skin perfectly. "Here you go again, stealing my husband's attention," she teased Maya.

Maya laughed. "Whatever, Mom. I've been gone for so long; you had him all to yourself. Now it's my turn."

I interrupted, feeling nervous. "Happy birthday, sir."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to me. I regretted speaking up, feeling judged. Maya broke the silence, laughing. "Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is my roommate, Ashley."

I forced a smile, avoiding eye contact. Mrs. Hillard's gaze lingered on me, and she exclaimed, "Oh my god, you're so beautiful!" I was taken aback.

Maya's mom continued, "Maya's told us so much about you. Her hardworking roommate, who never takes care of herself." She chuckled, and I cleared my throat, trying to compose myself.

"Thank you, Maya's told me about you too," I replied, trying to sound confident.

Mr. Hillard intervened, his smile seeming genuine. "What are you waiting for? Let's go in." I returned his smile, still feeling a bit uncertain

Maya grasped my hand, leading me to the dance floor. "C'mon, let's dance!" she exclaimed.

I hesitated, feeling awkward. "No, I don't know how to dance," I admitted, especially since it was a slow dance.

Maya reassured me, "Don't worry, I'll guide you." She placed her hands on my waist, and I put mine on her shoulders. We giggled at my clumsiness.

Later, Maya joined her dad for a dance, leaving me to watch from the sidelines. I felt a pang of envy and sadness, wishing I could share a similar moment with my own dad. I quickly wiped away tears and headed to the bar for a drink.

"Ashley!" I turned to find Leo standing behind me, looking dashing in his suit.

"Leo!" I exclaimed, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"My roommate brought me," I replied, taking a sip of my drink.

"Is your roommate's family here?" Leo asked, his eyes scanning the room.

"Yes, it's her dad's birthday," I said.

"You mean Maya?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.

I nodded, smiling. "Yeah."

Leo chuckled. "How can you live with such a brat?"

I playfully nudged his shoulder. "She's not a brat, you are."

Leo feigned pain, rubbing his shoulder. "Ouch, that hurt."

I asked, curiosity getting the better of me, "What about you? What are you doing here?"

Leo smoothed his perfectly gelled blond hair, which was slicked back. "My dad is Leonardo."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Your dad is Leonardo Capi?" I whispered, aware of the rumors surrounding his business dealings.

Leo quickly hushed me, his eyes darting around the room. "Shh, don't say it out loud."

I processed this new information, remembering how Leonardo Capi was a prominent businessman, known for his real estate and entertainment ventures.

I turned my attention back to Leo. "Why didn't you tell me? And why are you working as a waiter when you could be handling your dad's business?"

Leo smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. "I am handling the business, just not in the way you think."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Leo explained, "I wanted to start from scratch, learn the ropes, and earn people's respect without relying on my dad's name. That's why I chose to be a waiter instead of the manager."

I nodded, impressed by his humility. "That's really admirable."

Leo grinned. "What can I say? I'm one of a kind."

I rolled my eyes, chuckling. "You're something, alright."

Leo nudged me playfully. "Hey, watch it."

I shrugged, smiling. "You're just so annoying."

Leo laughed. "Same to you, bro."

We clinked glasses, and Leo said, "C'mon, let's grab another drink. I'm thirsty.

I asked the waiter for another champagne, and Leo said, "So, tell me, can I smash the cake with just a bottle of champagne?"

I warned him, "Nope, don't do anything stupid." I knew his childish behavior all too well.

Leo rolled his eyes and said, "Whatever, it's not as if you ever want me to be happy."

I rolled my eyes too, amused by his antics. "I wonder how your father copes with you."

Leo grinned mischievously and said, "Trust me, you don't want to know." He sipped his champagne, and I did the same.

I handed Leo my champagne and excused myself. "Hold this, I need to use the bathroom."

After doing my business, I admired the opulent gold bathroom and quickly washed my hands. As I exited, I couldn't help but appreciate the venue's beauty.

However, my admiration was short-lived, as I accidentally collided with a person's chest. "Ouch!" I moaned, rubbing my sore head.

As I looked up, I found myself staring into Ryder Blackhood's piercing eyes. His chiseled features were accentuated by a smirk plastered on his face.

"Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look who we have here."

My heart sank, and I felt a chill run down my spine. What was he doing here?

And then, just as I thought things couldn't get any worse, he leaned in, his voice low and menacing.

"You look stunning, Ashley. But I think you'll look even better... as my wife."