Chapter 60 - AT LAST
I didn't almost recognize the woman staring straight back at me in front of the full-length mirror. Perhaps she was a supermodel….?An actress….A Queen....Or probably the next Miss Universe.
When I urged closer, she moved too. And when I made a sudden graceful turn, she did the same and I finally allowed the awe-inspiring transformation to sink in my head. This is me…. No longer the same insignificant woman anymore...I am now Beatrix Crawford, the daughter of the most influential man in Cordova, sister of the hottest bachelors in town, and the Granddaughter of the woman who once was given the title of the most beautiful woman in her era.
With eyes burning with fire, almost surpassing the glittering gems from the tiara proudly sitting on my head which my grandmother wore on the day she was introduced to the society, I continue gazing at my reflection, with wide unbelieving eyes. Madame Stella volunteered to do my makeover and I must say she did a wonderful job.
The long gown clung to my curves like a second skin. The pale orange color made a startling contrast against my pale complexion. The off-shoulder cut enhanced my fine collar bone as Madam Stella said. The gown looked so perfect and I commend Stella for another yet masterpiece. Though the neckline was cut a bit too low making me conscious of displaying a bit of skin, I think I could handle the gown the way it should be handled with utmost care and finesse.
Who would have thought after looking at my queenly appearance that I was trembling with fear and apprehension. I just wished that once I descend the stairs I wouldn't make a fool of myself by falling. That would be so damn humiliating especially in front of a huge crowd and glittering cameras.
"Beatrix! It's almost time!" Madam Stella breathlessly sounded from the door which suddenly flung open. She peeked inside my room and after seeing I didn't move an inch she made her way towards my direction. The sound of her heels slapping against the ceramic floor reverberated inside the room.
I sighed and turned towards her. She looked so stunning on her scarlet halter top. the sequins moved and glittered on her gown with each subtle step. She looked so gorgeous and breathtaking at the same time and I wished at the moment I have the same confidence she possesses.
The signal I'd been waiting for didn't help improve my mood, I could feel my legs trembling from anxiety. The drumming sound of my heart intensified as Stella stopped in front of me, urging me to go downstairs since everyone already awaits downstairs.
"How was Faith?" I inquired, throwing her a worried glance. I haven't seen her for an hour and I was afraid she would throw a tantrum if she failed to see me.
"Your brothers are keeping her entertained. Don't worry." Stella said, placing a soft comforting hand on my shoulders. As if sensing the fear in me, she held both my shoulders and captured my gaze into her deep-seated eyes. "Stop worrying Bea." For the first time, she called me by a nickname that a mother would wish to call her daughter.
"I'm scared..." I blurted out the truth, letting her see the emotions I dare not conceal.
"Scared of what Bea?" Stella lifted my chin with her long delicate fingers which were painted in scarlet. Her charcoal eyes peered out from extraordinary eyelashes.
"Scared of not being accepted in this world. Scared of being treated differently. Scared of so many things, there's too many to name." I replied with all honesty.
"You have no reason to feel scared Bea. You are Alexander Crawford's daughter. I doubt if anyone would not accept you. Power is what controls just everything, and as the future heiress, you have enough power. Even the wolves would bow to you, Bea."
She ushered me to the door, her palms resting behind my back. Somehow the gentle gesture helped ease my anxiety.
I heard the door close behind us. Madam Stella turned to face me one last time as if surveying my features.?"Lift your chin and smile.?Without a doubt, your beauty will stand out in the crowd."
I took a deep breath. Madam Stella has been very encouraging and the truth is, she has helped a lot in decreasing my fear and anxiety.?I feel much much better now.
"Thank you."?I mumbled.
Madam Stella prepared to leave but she suddenly stopped in her tracks as if recalling something important "After your name was announced just stood at the top of the stairs and turned around once. Your gown color will change." After saying the words she hurriedly walked down the stairs and I wonder how she was able to move briskly with her high-heeled shoes.
For the umpteenth time, I took a deep steadying breath. Summoning all the courage I could muster to move my feet when I heard my name being called.
The first thing that greeted my vision was the elegantly decorated grand hall. Gigantic chandeliers were scattered around the ceiling giving the room an elegant ambiance.
My heart hammered inside my chest. It was so wild that I wondered if the room couldn't hear my heartbeat. When I reached the edge of the stairs, the sea of people waiting for my descent met my gaze.
There were so many visitors waiting down the stairs—it was more than what I imagined. I nearly made retrieving steps backward when all eyes landed in my directions.
'Holy Moly.' I muttered under my breath. Suppressing the urge to flee from the sight.?Before the lights went dim, I caught a glimpse of Faith Vienne at the bottom of the stairs. A sudden surge of energy traveled down my spine giving me the courage to move forward.
When the spotlight stopped at the top of the stairs, to where I exactly stood, the crowd fell into a stunned silence.
I lifted my chin high and gracefully turn around.
***
GREYSON'S POV
I pushed the door to the Grand Hall open and quietly slipped inside. None have noticed I entered the room. The crowd gathered near the staircase in stunned silence waiting for the woman at the top of the stage to descend.
No one had noticed I was wearing an oversized t-shirt which Alexander Crawford was kind enough to give me after the unfortunate incident of my car being stolen which had my suitcase inside. No one noticed I wore jeans on my bottom an informal getup to a formal ball like this one. I was totally out of place in the swarm of formal suits and tuxedo's inside the room.
The dazed crowd gaze remained glued on top of the stairs, looking at the woman whom I didn't pay another glance. There's only one thing occupying my thoughts, it was to indulge in a glass of wine… or brandy will do… before I return to the tiny cottage I would be staying for now until my contract with Alexander ends.
A waiter passed by, just my luck, I thought seeing he was carrying a glass of wine in his tray. I helped myself with the glass and took a quick sip.
I ignored the sudden pang of hollow emptiness at the sudden reminder of my old life. The Grand Hall perfectly reminds me of the luxury I gave up because of pride. Not that I regret it, it was the best decision I ever did.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the future heiress of Crawford Chain of Business, Miss Beatrix Crawford!"
The lights went dim, there was only one light on the room—the spotlight—It was now focused on the woman wearing a pale orange gown that looked quite simple.
I found myself walking near the crowd. Curiosity was nagging me like an itchy bug bite, wanting to have a closer look.
The woman at the top of the stairs made a graceful turn, with my heart in my throat I watch as her gown magically turned into the shade of pale orange into the beautiful hellfire that made a startling contrast to her smooth alabaster skin. The hem of her gown glittered with silvery beads making it appear the stars descended from the sky to bow down and worship at her feet.
The gown he notices was plain and simple at first magically turned into a gown embroidered with a phoenix in which precious gemstones glittered magnificently against the light.
A tiara made of the finest gemstones was seated on her head, enhancing the soft curls that cascade down her shoulders with luminosity.
My pulse jittered, my heartbeat quickened, and my throat went dry as my haze descended the goddess of beauty who was now slowly walking down the stairs with the grace of a queen.
The gown with the color of beautiful hellfire clung to her perfectly proportion curves. With each subtle movement, the slit of her gown opens, exposing flawless white legs that made every man inside the room swoon.
When she finally lifted her gaze in my direction I nearly had a mini heart attack. Descending the stairs was no other than my ex-wife whom I thought was dead.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢