I turned toward the source of the voice, and my eyes met a pair of malicious ones. She was scrutinizing me intently, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
The woman was petite and elegantly dressed in a sleek, short black gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The fabric had a luxurious sheen, catching the light with every subtle movement. The gown featured a fitted bodice that flared slightly at the waist, creating an elegant silhouette. Its hemline ended just above the knee, showcasing her slender legs.
Her short bob framed her face beautifully, accentuating her features and adding a touch of modern sophistication. The sleek, polished hairstyle complemented the gown's high-end aesthetic. Overall, she looked effortlessly chic, radiating confidence and style—perfect for an evening event or a fancy gathering.
She walked gracefully toward us and confidently hooked her arm around Ryan's. With a smug countenance as if marking her territory.
"Oh Mia dear! You're here? I thought you couldn't make it?" Mr Willow exclaimed with a small smile. I could tell that his affection towards her wasn't that deep.
"Yes Uncle but I changed my mind last minute…I mean how could I leave my baby here alone knowing there are alot of hungry predators" She replied her eyes falling on me and Diana at the last part. Oh wow another nuisance!
"Ryan, are you happy to see me?" she asked with a pretentious voice to which Ryan brows slightly furrowed.
"Mm" Ryan replied simply, not keeping his gaze on her for more than 2 seconds. I was just about to excuse myself and take a look around when Mia turned to me.
"Wow your hair is so niceee! Is it even real?" her tone laced with malice as she gave a sweet smile.
"Oops don't mind my bluntness, it's not big deal though. Alot of people put on wigs these days" she added with a satisfied smile.
"Yeah I guess…" I said gently as I tossed my hair to the back revealing my full, natural hairline that framed my face perfectly, each strand flowing effortlessly and showing off its healthy shine. I saw her smile stiffen.
"ooh where did you get em done?! They look so reall" she continued acting all pretentious. I was annoyed but I knew I had to keep my anger at bay since I couldn't afford to mess with these wealthy and affluent people.
"If this was a wig then I'd have to be a magician to give off this perfect look" I said with a wide smile, fake of course, as I flipped my hair which lightly grazed past Ryan's face. Oh no, how could I forget how long my hair was.
"oh my bad, I can't help how long my hair is, sorry for the discomfort!" I quickly said in a neutral tone not wanting to sound weak in front of him and his girlfriend.
"Babe are you okay?" Mia's annoying voice sounded obviously trying to sow some discord.
"what shampoo do you use for your hair?" Ryan asked instead which caught all of us off guard. I mean a 'are you mad?' Or 'you're such an annoying pest' would have been expected but that?!
"Babe, does her hair smell? Well by her looks I'm not sure she can afford a proper hair product" Mia said as if trying to pacify Ryan but anyone would know she was just outrightly bashing me.
"Well?! What shampoo do you use?" he asked again clearly displeased by my lack of reaction. I was confused and didn't want to say the wrong thing. Especially since Mia was right, Why am I poor?!
"Umm I do not have a product I use for my hair, I actually just use my body shampoo," I said as I stylishly smelt my hair. I couldn't figure what was quite wrong with it and that fact was already embarrassing.
"Ohh earlier today, I did use a branded hair shampoo tho." I added hastily as if that would ease my embarrassment.
"And where did you steal that from?" she asked with a disdainful look. Steal?! Can this girl be even more ridiculous?
"I—"
"Am I that incapable that my woman has to steal?" I heard Dominique's husky voice finally intervene. My cheeks already tainted red and my eyes brighter, I couldn't help but stare at him with my mouth slightly opened. His woman?! Omg he called me his woman!!
I felt like I was on cloud 9 and couldn't conceal the wide grin on my face. I saw him come up to me and pulled me closer to him as if saying 'Yes she's my woman! So back off'
"W-what?! She's with Dom?!!" Mia exclaimed, shock clearly written on her face. I saw her reassess me before her eyes clouded with disdain.
"And whats wrong With her?" Michael asked clearly displeased by Mia's tone to which I was grateful for. It felt nice to have two strong wealthy men backing you up.
"Well Dom is all about high standards and she's like the bare minimum of women, Diana is far better than her!" Mia continued almost hysterical. Unfortunately, what she said wasn't wrong. I didn't belong here, one look at me and you would be able to tell I was out of place.
I looked around and noticed that every woman there exuded an air of sophistication, a quality that this fancy gown couldn't quite bestow upon me. I felt more like a middle-class, easy-going girl, trying to fit into a world that felt a bit out of reach.
My thoughts started racing and I didn't know what was going on anymore. I gently withdrew myself from Dominique and walked away and the fact that nobody called after me just proved I shouldn't even be here in the first place.
I walked aimlessly until I found an extended changing room with a wide variety of clothing. I quickly stopped a waiter and asked if it was alright to use it and thankfully she consented.
I quickly entered and got rid of the gown that had been quite uncomfortable and rummaged through the clothes.
I quickly found something more of my style, black leather pants paired with an ash camisole and a chip crop leather jacket. I contemplated whether to pack my hair in a ponytail or leave it as it is. I went to the mirror by the side to check when I saw one of my eyes was like silvery ash.
"What the heck is wrong with my eye!" I exclaimed obviously freaked out which I reckon others will too if they see this.
I mean how can I have one eye a dark brown and the other a silvery ash?
I quickly dropped my hair back, brushing it to make a side bang that covered my silver eye.
I came out of the room and walked for about 10 minutes yet I couldn't find the exit or even the hall we were in earlier.
I continued walking and with everywhere being pitch black, I had no idea I was on a platform until spotlights pointed at me.
I was scared stiff, then I figured out that this was probably the later stage of the banquet, and all the wealthy people were gathered just below where I was standing. But what for?