’I am so glad that I did not lash out on that Samatha! They say that patience is a virtue! I would have lost out so bad, had I done that. Would I have reaped these benefits? No! Good job Natasha!’
Natasha stood before a grand mirror, the largest she had ever seen in her entire life! She would be ashad to let anyone know this as Natasha was all about her image. Her reflection glowed in the soft light of the lavish guest bathroom. She couldn’t help but twirl around yet another ti. After all, she was all alone in the bathroom, with no one else to see he, so why couldn’t she admire herself?
The dress she wore was breathtaking—a shimring masterpiece of silk and chiffon in a deep erald hue that set off her flawless skin. The bodice was delicately embroidered with golden threads, ... She couldn’t even imagine that she of all people would wear GOLD! Like that. Natasha knew that no matter how much her father loved her, he would never buy her a dress like that!
Her movents made the light reflect the gold, making even her eyes shine, while the skirt flowed like liquid, pooling slightly around her feet. A fine belt of pearls encircled her waist, emphasizing her graceful figure. She couldn’t help but twirl .... again, letting the dress fan out around her like a blooming flower.
A satisfied smirk curved Natasha’s lips as she t her own eyes through the mirror.
"I’m beautiful! I feel even more so today!"
Though Natasha ca from wealth, nothing in her closet could compare to this gown. It wasn’t just the craftsmanship—it was what it represented. Power. Prestige. The Thornstons! Her thoughts turned to the one who had gifted it to her, the new Mrs Thornston.
"She is barely older than , but she is so lucky...."
Natasha sighed as her mind travelled to Shelby.... "I wonder what she did in her last life to gain such beauty in this life? Damn! So much beauty wasted on one person like that?" Just as Natasha had done that, she clamped her mouth shut, not wanting to be overhead. Just after that, Natasha added,
"That stupid Samantha thinks that she is so clever ..."
she muttered, her voice low and dripping with disdain. "Foiling my plans, does she even have the capability? Hah! If only she knew."
Natasha’s gaze shifted from the intricate stitching on the sleeve of the dress to her own eyes in the mirror, glinting with smug triumph.
"Her stepmother likes ," she reminded herself, the thought fueling her confidence. Why else would Mrs Thornston have given this top-of-the-line dress?"
Her laugh echoed in the spacious room, a soft yet sinister sound. "Samantha doesn’t stand a chance. She is still a child, who thinks that she can cover the sky with the palm of her hands... Soon, she’ll be calling Auntie. Just wait till I marry her uncle!"
Natasha paused, letting her hands drop to her sides. She took a deep breath. The room was a sanctuary of wealth, and it filled her with a full sense of entitlent. She couldn’t believe that this was just a bathroom!
The marble tiles glead like polished jade, and the countertops were decorated with crystal vases holding fragrant orchids and so other flowers that she couldn’t identify. Golden faucets shaped like swans perched over a basin that looked like it belonged in a museum. Even the air felt expensive, scented with a faint trace of lavender and citrus.
Natash took in a deep breath and smiled,
"This bathroom is more luxurious than my entire bedroom," she whispered, her voice tinged with envy. For a mont, she let her fingers brush over the cool marble surface, savoring the extravagance.
"Soon.... Very soon, this will be my daily life!" But her ’day dream’ was cut short by a knock at the door.
"Miss, are you done? I’ll lead you back." The voice was polite but firm, and she recognized it as one of the housemaids. After she had been sent to the hall by the head maid, she could not help but inch back to this bathroom to ’use’ it... but in reality, only she knew that she had taken the chance to take a few selfies that were social dia-worthy.
Quickly, Natasha washed her hands, wiping away any trace of her private musings.... If that was even possible! Composing herself, she turned toward the door, her expression smoothing into one of prim politeness. The transition was seamless, her warm smile and gentle nod masking the storm of ambition brewing inside her. A discerning eye could make that out though.
As the maid led her through the sprawling estate, Natasha walked with asured grace, her steps echoing faintly in the vast, silent corridors.
Her eyes darted around, taking in the luxury of the estate, each detail fuelling her resolve.
"I will belong here, ..." she thought, her smirk hidden behind her calm facade.
"... not as a guest. Not as an outsider. Never! But as the second mistress of this house!"
Natasha’s fingers brushed against the pearls at her waist as a quiet laugh bubbled within her, suppressed but powerful.
"That Samantha has no idea! Let her fight. Let her plot. Soon, she’ll bow to !"
The thought sent a chill of satisfaction down her spine. She followed the maid back toward the banquet hall, her heart pounding with anticipation. Every step she took felt like a step closer to her goal, and nothing—nothing—was going to stand in her way.
However, just as she was about to take her seat in the hall, two n appeared by her side,
"Miss? Please co with us."
"Huh? Who are you? Why-"
"Miss?" Oe bowed and gestured towards the door.
For a mont, Natasha blanched, a foreboding feeling dawning on her, especially as she could see Samatha smiling knowingly at her from across the table.
"I have to-"
Natasha did not complete her statent when the two n took either of her hands and started guiding her out of the hall. Natasha felt so humiliated, but she could not help but scream out,
"What are you doing? Unhand !" Natasha scread, drawing attention to herself.
Natasha could only watch helplessly as she was ushered out of the estate. At the gate, they bowed to her and told her in very friendly words that she was not welcod to the estate again.
"What do you an by tha-"
By the ti her statent ended, no one was there to answer. All Natasha had on her was that beautiful dress and a few picturesque shots from that dreamy bathroom.... And an eviction and ban notice.
She could not believe herself. Her dream of becoming the second mistress had been quashed before she could even make any moves. With no chance of eting Brad, her dream was as good as nulled!
Not far from her, three people were thrown unceremoniously as well. Natasha took a surprised step back when she recognized the Principal. She turned and called her driver promptly. She was wise and understood the situation very well..... it looked like she had been given better care! She shivered at the imnse show of power that these actions demonstrated.
Back in the banquet hall and about half an hour later, the celebrations have all but co to an end.
Both Alex and Geneva’s keen eyes told them that sothing was amiss that evening. But like the learned hosts, they ’enjoyed’ themselves and then ended the celebration with the excuse that old people needed rest.
It wasn’t only them who had noticed this though. Alex’s birthday banquet had beco a very fertile ground for scandals that evening, everyone who had co in was going away with a lot more to talk about.
Even though the Thornstons were very adept in handling scandals, it seed like they had no intentions of putting the lid on anything that had happened. On the contrary, they wanted all of T-Vino Island to know so that they could think twice before making any plans for Ian or his new wife!
The fact that even Katie, Geneva’s loyal head maid, had been replaced was enough to send a warning to all.... Not to talk of Alex’s older sisters.
After the last guest had left, Geneva sent for Suzie.
Only the family remained in the large banquet hall. This included, Geneva, Alex, Brad and the kids as well.
"What happened? Why did Ian and Shelby leave half-way?" Geneva did not beat about the bush and asked right away, with Alex taking the back seat.
"I think that it would be better if-"
"Stop there! I only want answers and not excuses!" Geneva snapped!
"I am not sure of the details Madam Geneva, but I heard them say that Miss Aliya was alive and-"
"WHAT?!!!!!"
"WTF!!!"
"WHO? THAT WITCH IS ALIVE?"
"M-um is alive?"
Different reactions went around the room but at the last statent, Gabriel perked up.
When he learned that his mother was alive, the five-year-old’s expression changed to a puzzled frown, struggling to comprehend this surprising news. For a brief mont, he appeared deep in thought; his small brow wrinkled as though the idea was too imnse for him to grasp.
Suddenly, realization struck him. His expression brightened, eyes widened in pure delight, and he almost sprang from his chair in exuberant thrill." Is Mama alive? You an Mama Aliya is alive?!!!!" he exclaid, his voice quivering with joy. Yet, just as fast as the smile ca, it faded away.
He stopped, his small hands clenching the hem of his shirt, and his lips pursed into a thoughtful pout. "Wait," he murmured hesitantly, looking up with uncertain eyes. "Does that an... does that an I lose my new Mama?"
Even though Gabriel had not added Shelby’s na, everyone there knew that she was the one being referenced. The room was already pregnant with that heavy atmosphere. All words ceased, and the room fell silent.
His innocent question hung in the air, a heavy reminder of the possible implications of this. Gabriel’s gaze darted between the adults in the room, seeking reassurance, his childish joy now tinged with worry.
*********
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