It's always been you

The cab rolled to a gentle stop outside her apartment building. Pearl stepped out, the sunlight warm against her face, but her heart was still weighed down by everything Aunt Mabel had said. The quiet strength in her aunt's voice lingered in her mind, about sacrifice, resilience, and carrying on even when life didn't go the way you imagined. A part of her was also happy because she got to meet her aunt and got to step out for a little while.

She walked up the steps slowly, key in hand, feeling both grateful and overwhelmed. Her life had taken a sharp turn, and it still didn't feel real.

Inside, the silence wrapped around her like a blanket. She set her bag down, slipped off her shoes, and sank into the couch. Her gaze drifted toward the window, where golden rays streamed through the curtains, dancing over the wooden floor. For a moment, she simply sat still, quiet, and unsure of what came next.

Pearl's phone buzzed suddenly, it was a text from Aria.

On my way up. Have food ready or face consequences.

Pearl let out a small laugh despite herself and padded to the door. A few seconds later, Aria strolled in like she owned the place, dropping her purse dramatically on the floor.

"You look like you've been hit by a reality truck," she said, scanning Pearl's face. "What happened? Did Richard bail on the fake engagement already?"

Pearl flopped onto the couch. "No. Worse. He called to say we're going to a Montelucia gala tomorrow night."

Aria's mouth fell open. "A gala? Like, a real one? With gowns, champagne fountains, and society people who drink sparkling water with their pinkies out?"

Pearl nodded grimly. "Apparently it's to celebrate the Zenith deal being closed."

Aria squealed and threw herself down beside her. "Girl! That's huge! This is, like, billionaire girlfriend boot camp. Wait, what are you even going to wear?"

Pearl hesitated for a second. "He's sending over dresses… from Sorelle."

There was a beat of silence.

Then Aria's eyes widened in slow, stunned horror. "Sorelle?! As in the Sorelle? The fashion house that styles royalty and foreign dignitaries? The one I cried over last year because they turned down my resume?!"

Pearl gave a sheepish nod. "Yeah. They're sending a stylist too."

Aria practically shrieked. "Do you hear yourself right now? Pearl. Grey. Is being styled by freaking Sorelle! If I didn't love you so much, I'd poison your soup."

Pearl giggled. "Please don't. I haven't even eaten today."

"You don't need food, you need a confidence transplant," Aria muttered, folding her arms dramatically. "You're going to be wearing a designer gown, walking beside one of the richest men in Montelucia, and you're panicking?. Meanwhile, I'm here dying inside because Sorelle has touched your body—indirectly, of course."

Pearl shook her head, the tiniest smile tugging at her lips. "I don't know how to do this, Aria. I've never even been to a fancy dinner party, let alone something like this."

Aria sat up straighter, all joking aside. "Then you fake it. Chin up, eyes forward, channel your inner empress. You already have the look, Sorelle is basically Cinderella's godmother with couture. Once they work their magic, no one will even question you."

Pearl leaned against her friend. "Promise you won't ditch me in this madness?"

"Never. I'll be right here, cheering you on… and maybe stealing one of your gowns if I'm lucky."

They both laughed, the tension in Pearl's chest softening just a bit.

A knock at the door interrupted the moment.

Pearl frowned slightly and glanced at Aria. "Are you expecting anyone?"

Aria shook her head. "Nope. You?"

Pearl stood and walked to the door, peeking through the peephole. Her heart skipped. "It's… a lot of people."

Aria's eyebrows shot up. "Define 'a lot.'"

Pearl opened the door slowly, and her jaw dropped. Standing in the hallway were five people, each immaculately dressed and carrying rolling cases, makeup boxes, and garment bags. At the front was a graceful woman with sharp cheekbones, wearing all black and holding a leather tablet.

"Miss Grey?" the woman asked smoothly. "I'm Eveline, lead stylist from Maison Sorelle. We're here to prepare you for the Gala".

Pearl nodded mutely, stepping aside.

The group filed in like a fashion army—efficient, silent, and stunning. In seconds, her living room was transformed into a backstage studio. The makeup artist set up mirrors and lights. The hairstylist unrolled an entire toolkit of curling irons, sprays, and combs. One assistant opened garment bags with gloved hands, revealing shimmering gowns. Another lined up heels, jewelry, and clutch purses.

Aria stood in the corner, wide-eyed. "This is not happening. This is not real life."

Eveline smiled tightly and clapped her hands once. "Let's get started. We're on a strict schedule. Miss Grey, if you could sit?"

Pearl was gently ushered to a vanity stool someone had brought in, already lit by soft white bulbs. The hairstylist immediately went to work brushing out her curls, while the makeup artist began prepping her skin.

"Richard Harrison really pulled all the strings," Aria whispered, watching like a fascinated child. "You're being Cinderella'd by professionals."

Pearl blinked into the mirror, overwhelmed as three people worked on her at once. It was surreal—the blush on her cheeks, the contour of her face, the light shimmer on her lids, the delicate pins in her hair.

Pearl just stared at the gowns—one a soft blush satin with delicate beading, another a deep emerald with a dramatic open back, and the third a bold black velvet with a high slit and elegant off-shoulder design.

One of the assistants held up the emerald gown for Eveline's inspection.

"Yes," Eveline said, tapping her chin. "That one. Elegant and striking. Bring out the heels with the crystal straps."

A few minutes later, two stylists helped Pearl into the gown, smoothing the fabric and adjusting the back. When she stood up and turned to the mirror, she didn't recognize herself.

Her hair was swept into a romantic twist, strands curled to frame her face. Her eyes looked bigger, brighter. The emerald green hugged her figure perfectly, glimmering every time she moved.

Aria's mouth was open again. "Girl… you are a freaking goddess."

Pearl turned to Eveline, almost breathless. "Is this really me?"

Eveline's expression softened just slightly. "It's always been you. We just highlighted it."