Pre-Engagement Dinner (1)

The moment we came home, my mother began ordering the servants around. 

"Mom, is Christian coming over for dinner tonight?", asked Morgan. She was twirling her hair with her finger, staring hopefully at our Mother.

"Yes. He is, along with a few others, so behave. Although it's soon, you're not officially engaged yet, so be mindful of your actions", my mother replied.

I quietly took a few steps back, hoping to sneak away to my room.

"Leslie, wear that black dress today, the fitted one with black lace sleeves", she said turning towards me.

My eyes widened. She hated that dress! It had a very deep V-neck and was very tightly fit, accentuating the curves of my body.

Why is she telling me to wear something so...revealing?

Even Morgan looked at her with a puzzled look, "Can I wear something sexy too? Christian will be there.."

"No, I'll send a dress over for you. You're already getting engaged—no need to look too enticing. Leslie, on the other hand…" My mother turned to me with a look that sent a shiver down my spine.

Who else is coming tonight?!

But before I even had a chance to ask about the other guests my Mother quickly dismissed us.

"I will send for both of you when it's time for dinner. Go and get ready. Oh, and Leslie, please do something with your hair for love's sake"

I reached my hand out slightly, wanting to call out to my mother. I needed to know who else would be at dinner today. But before I had a chance, Morgan took me by the arm and pulled me down the hallway.

We made it halfway down the hall when she pushed me against the wall. 

"Listen, dearest sister. If I see you so much as look at Christian tonight I will make sure you regret it. Don't try to use your little demonic charm with MY man!", she hissed. 

Ah, so my body is now a demonic charm? 

I forcefully kept my lips from curling up into a smile. If she wanted to see demonic charm, I'll show her what real demonic charm looks like.

I took a deep breath, donning a frightened expression.

My eyes widened as I shook my head, "S..sister! I would never dream of it! Mother said you will be the future Mrs. Vittoria, how could I covet something that isn't mine!"

I waved my hands and looked directly into her eyes, noticing the flames of jealousy buried deep within.

"Good. Remember your place—you will always be beneath me", she whispered, pointing her sharp fingernail at my chest, before finally letting go. 

I watched her stomp down the hall with cold eyes.

"Beneath you? We will see", I said under my breath.

For the rest of the way back to my room, all I heard was the soft click of my heels against the marble floors. The sound echoed through the hall like a ticking clock, every step closer to the end.

A small smile appeared on my lips as I opened the familiar double doors of my room, my private oasis. 

I immediately kicked off my shoes and fell backward on my bed. As I thought about tonight's dinner, I couldn't help but feel a little hopeful about this potential suitor my mother prepared for me.

Closing my eyes, I began to imagine what this potential man would look like.

Someone tall, with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and just enough chest hair to peek through his unbuttoned collared shirt.

He had dark brown, almost black, hair and a set of deep blue eyes...

Deep blue eyes...

Christian's cold eyes flashed in my mind, overlapping his physique over my imaginary man. It would be a lie to say that I did not find him attractive. 

"Maybe this new guest will be just as handsome", I said, giving myself a small pep talk.

Even if not as handsome—because let's be real, it's a tall order to match Christian Vittora...But at least someone not too far off.

-

Looking at the clock I realized I only had a few hours before I had to be ready. Pushing myself off of my bed I walked over to the en-suite bathroom to take a shower.

Since Mother ordered me to do something with my hair, I didn't have much time to waste. 

From the large glass shower door, I saw my reflection in the foggy mirror.

"Maybe Morgan was right. I do seem to give off a natural demonic charm", I said smirking at my reflection.

If it was ancient times, I could see men waging wars just for a chance to look at me.

From my large perky breasts, down to my thin waist, and back down to my wide hips, I had a perfect hourglass figure. Even my milky smooth skin was free from any blemishes.

"If only I was allowed to show it off", I whispered, running a finger down my chest.

Shaking my head I cleared those thoughts from my head. Today could potentially be a good day for me. If I hit it off with this man, maybe I could get my happily ever after.

I hummed a small tune as I washed my hair. My curiosity only grew and before I knew it I was putting in all of my effort to try and look as appealing as I could.

"Ah", I hissed.

The tip of my index finger stung as I got too close to the hot curling iron while doing my hair. 

I spent over an hour doing my hair alone, but the result was very satisfactory.

Since my mother requested that I wear the black gown with an off-the-shoulder, deep V-neck design, I decided to curl my long brown hair and sweep it over to one shoulder for a dramatic look.

As the clock continued to tick, my excitement slowly began manifesting itself as I completely transformed myself. 

The young woman in the reflection now rivaled the current top actresses and models. My lips curved up into a soft smile, proud of the overall result. 

I just hope this potential suitor likes it.

Just as I stepped away from the full-length mirror I heard a soft knock on my door.

"Second Miss, you are being called for dinner", a maid's voice sounded from the other side of the door.

"Thank you, I'll be right over", I said.

Taking one last look in the mirror, I took a deep breath and smiled. 

This might just be your day Leslie!