Chapter 22

"The preparations for Mrs. Hilda's party are ready, Mr. Cesar. We just need to finalize a few details."

"Has my aunt confirmed the time of her arrival?"

"Yes, sir."

"Everything would be easier if each year their celebration demands and eccentricities didn't grow. With all the work I have and the exhausting nights I've had, a noisy party is the last thing I want..." I sighed, remembering the shopping trip and the tiresome night I had.

"Are you alright, sir? We can postpone the inspection of the staff for another day," Joffre suggested as I reached for the paper.

"Actually, Mr. Cesar, it's important that you take a look, especially because there's one detail that concerns me." I opened my eyes wide as I scanned the list, and there she was, Belle, listed as a cocktail server.

"What is this woman doing here? She doesn't even work yet, why did you include her in this?"

"She applied on her own, sir. She mentioned having worked in many nightclubs. We needed to fill the position since the bartender canceled at the last minute due to illness." So she couldn't appear as a guest. I was such a fool... it was my idea to buy her a dress. Sometimes I didn't know where my head was. What was wrong with me regarding this woman?

"Don't worry, Mr. Cesar. I acted quickly and placed her in a spot where none of the guests will see her. After all the rumors circulating about her, it's best to keep her out of the public eye for your sake, sir."

"What? What rumors are you talking about?"

"Isn't that what you were concerned about?"

"Yes, that's what I was thinking. Now tell me, what are they saying out there?"

"It's about your outing to buy clothes with that woman, sir. People want to know why she has the favor of a Montenegro. They're saying she's a stand-in for Miss... well, you know who I mean. That's why I decided to keep her out of sight to avoid drawing more attention, especially from your Aunt Hilda. Besides, most of the guests already know about the obvious resemblance."

"I understand your decision. Thank you for consulting me, Joffre." I signed the document and handed it back, giving the green light to his plan. If keeping that girl out of the public eye was best, why did I feel so irritated? It wasn't her fault, but maybe I wanted something else. Everything happening to me had one culprit, and it was Keylef, him and his nonsense.

Everyone went wild every year when the second most important matriarch of the Montenegro family, my Aunt Hilda, had her birthday. It was the perfect opportunity to finally establish a false friendship with her. She was the one who decided who joined the family or not. And not just anyone could be part of our family. Just imagining my aunt meeting Belle and that horrible toad made me smile.

"You may go now, thank you, Joffre."

"As you wish, sir."

♥

"Come, come! Gather around this little bazaar! Don't hesitate to check out the prices of these high-fashion garments at the flea market of the rundown cabin; you'll find killer prices!"

"Oh my God, Belle... these clothes are high-end brands. Where did you get them?" someone asked, nervously.

"I-it doesn't matter... Do you like that dress? Buy it, I assure you it'll look great on you." All the mansion employees crowded around, commenting and looking at the clothes I had displayed outside my cabin.

"Oh, it's marvelous! At this price and being Gucci, I never thought I'd be able to wear something so elegant. Are you selling all of them?" Guilt washed over me as I looked at the beautiful clothes. No! Belle... if you keep these, they'll just go to waste. What will you do? Wear heels and dresses to work? You won't be attending luxurious parties; it would be a waste to keep such pretty clothes locked away in a closet.

"Um... well, I just wanted to help the employees who barely have any clothes. With how beautiful they are, it would be a waste for someone like me to keep them." They looked at each other as if I had gone crazy.

"And this pretty cocktail dress?"

"Party dress?" Everyone rushed towards the girl holding it.

"Yes, it's new. I'm sure it's worth ten times our salary." My eyes widened, and I quickly snatched the dress from her long hands.

"Is it that expensive?" I asked nervously.

"Of course it is! It's from one of the most expensive luxury brands. Now tell us the truth, who gave you all these clothes? Did you steal them, or seduce the master?" They all started laughing among themselves, and one of them said.

"It's because of her, girls... she only has this because of her face. She's not pretty, nor elegant. She's like a fake version of a costly jewel." They burst into laughter while I frowned.

"So what if I'm a copy? I'm authentic and irreplaceable. I don't care what you spiteful people say about me."

"You were just a temporary substitute." I swallowed hard, affected by those harsh words.

"Alright, I've had enough, leave now! Pay for what you took and go."

"Let's get out of here." They all paid for their items and started to leave, leaving me with a strange feeling of worry. Did he really only buy this because I resembled that woman? What kind of strange puppet was I for that man...?

♥

Night fell, and the Montenegro mansion plunged into a revelry. All the employees wore black masks, and so did the guests. The party was called Masquerade. I didn't understand why the rich celebrated birthdays so oddly. Was it necessary to have so many people? I thought birthdays were celebrated with your closest loved ones. Anyway, rich people's things... I didn’t even eat cake that day; sometimes, we didn’t even have dinner. I moved away from the window and headed to the cocktail bar. I would be the best at my job, although... it was a bit odd that they locked me in this room so far from the party. What if no one found me? Bored, I started cleaning the bar for the sixteenth time when suddenly someone entered, opening the door forcefully. They wore a black mask and were breathing heavily. Once they calmed down, they looked at me and walked over. I noticed their dress was stained, and I ran over to them, saying.

"Oh my God, are you alright, miss?"

"I... I'm looking for someone, but I had an accident on the way here. Can you help me?" I looked up, surprised by her long purple hair. Her eyes were a deep green. I smiled and said.

"I have an idea, come with me."

"Really, you can do that?"

"Of course, my name is Belle, and I'll be your fairy godmother tonight. Trust me..." I winked at her and led her to my room.