Lucian Sterling or What?

Mario quickly dragged Scarlet from the dining table to the position the stylist has chosen to stay and work.

She knows Scarlet had never been a fan of fashion and seeing the stylist waiting to make her beautiful, she wouldn't want to miss such a golden opportunity.

Slowly, she pushed her into the chair. The stylist looked at her face and couldn't help but marvel at how soft, silky and smooth her face was.

"Miss Scarlet," the woman greeted with a polite smile. "I'm Lillian, your stylist for the evening. Mr. Lucian has arranged for a suitable dress and look for you."

"Alright, let's get this over with."

Lillian smiled knowingly and gestured toward the second car. "Then let's not waste any time, Miss Scarlet."

Immediately she settled down, her phone rang. It was Bryan "I hope they have arrived?" He asked in a serious tone.

"Yes, they have. You said Boss sent them and the stylist? She asked with trepidation. Her nerves are already fraying.

"Yes, your husband sent it after I passed your message across to him." Bryan replied. He prayed silently that he wouldn't be held responsible the day she will discover the truth which might not be far from now.

"But it is expected, you return home after the party?" He said.

"No need, I will finish this official assignment then after work tomorrow I will go back. Just hope you can explain to him," she responded.

She knew she is pushing his button but she needed to set things straight before she begin grappling on to it.

"Alright, thanks alot" she said and ended the call.

Mario stared at her incredulously with confusion written all over her face. "Scar, how come I don't understand whatever you are saying on that call", Mario asked.

Scarlet sighed deeply, there is no way she will begin narrating the situation especially not now they are having a guest.

"Mar , it's complicated but I will tell you later when am back from the dinner party". She said.

Mario raised a brow, curiosity evident in her eyes, but she nodded anyway. "Fine, but you owe me a full explanation later."

The stylist's eyes sparkled with excitement as she ran her fingers lightly over Scarlet's flawless skin. "You have such natural beauty," she murmured, already envisioning the masterpiece she would create.

Scarlet, on the other hand, sat stiffly in the chair, her fingers gripping the armrests. "Is this really necessary?" she muttered, casting a pleading glance at Mario.

Mario grinned, unfazed by her resistance. "Oh, it's very necessary. You have to look like the queen you are tonight."

The stylist clapped her hands, signaling her assistants to begin. One started on Scarlet's hair, unraveling the simple bun she had tied in a hurry that morning. Long, silky strands cascaded down her back, making the stylist sigh in admiration. "We'll go for an elegant but effortless style," she said, already working with nimble fingers.

Another assistant brought out a luxurious set of makeup products, but the stylist waved a hand. "Nothing heavy. Just a touch to enhance her features." She leaned closer to Scarlet. "Trust me, you'll love it."

Scarlet swallowed, watching as the transformation began. She had never been one for extravagance, but as she saw her reflection slowly changing in the mirror, she had to admit—it was mesmerizing.

The stylist chuckled softly, shaking her head as she picked up a foundation brush. "You're lucky to have such naturally clear skin, but trust me, a little touch-up will make a world of difference."

Scarlet remained still as the woman expertly worked, applying a lightweight foundation that blended seamlessly with her skin. "We'll keep it soft and natural," the stylist murmured, dabbing concealer under Scarlet's eyes.

Mario, who was watching closely, grinned. "You're going to be unrecognizable, Scar."

Scarlet sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Ignoring her reluctance, the stylist moved on, dusting a subtle rose blush onto her cheeks, enhancing her already delicate features. "For the eyes, we'll keep it elegant but striking," she said, picking up a neutral-toned palette. She blended soft browns into Scarlet's crease, adding just a touch of shimmer to make her eyes pop. A thin stroke of eyeliner and a few coats of mascara later, her dark lashes looked longer and more defined.

Scarlet blinked rapidly, unfamiliar with the feeling. "It feels... strange," she admitted.

"You'll get used to it," the stylist assured her with a smile.

Finally, she reached for a deep red lipstick. "This will complete the look."

Scarlet hesitated. "Isn't red too bold?"

Mario scoffed. "Bold is exactly what you need tonight."

With a resigned sigh, Scarlet let the stylist apply the lipstick. The rich color instantly brightened her face, making her lips look fuller.

The stylist stepped back with a satisfied nod. "Perfect."

A well-dressed female assistant entered, holding an elegant black box with a golden emblem on top. "Miss Scarlet, this is your gown for the evening. It was sent to us as the dress you did be making use.

Scarlet hesitated before taking the box. As soon as she opened it, her breath caught. Inside was a stunning evening gown—deep sapphire blue with delicate embroidery that shimmered under the light. The fabric felt luxurious beneath her fingertips.

A note was placed on top.

"Wear this tonight. No arguments." —L.S.

Scarlet's hands trembled slightly as she stared at the initials drawing her into contemplations.

"L. S?"

"Isn't that the president of the group? Why did Bryan said that the gown was sent by the boss?" She mused staring at the gown and it's note.

"L. S.— Lucian Sterling otherwise what?" She mused in contemplation.

She tried to recall the name close to her name on the registration book but it was blurry. She had not captured the name into memory just like she couldn't remember the face she saw that night.

But no matter how she tried, she felt some sense of familiarity but couldn't place her hand on it. She made a mental note to find out or possibly check her marriage certificate.

Mario watched as Scarlet's expression darkened, lost in deep thought. "Scar, what's wrong? You look like you just saw a ghost," she teased, nudging her lightly.

Scarlet snapped out of her daze but did not answer Mario's question "Sorry, I was lost in thought", she muttered handing the gown over to the stylist to help her out it on.