Page 106 of Bastian

So yeah, the organization in charge of the gala knew what they were doing when they extended an invitation after Timeless Magazine named me one of four successful women CEOs this year. I don’t care much for titles or kissing ass at social events, but I did decide to attend when Quinne reminded me that the exposure will help the company grow even more than it has in the past month. And if I have to endure an evening with shallow and self-centered celebrities, I will. It’s nothing new to me. Besides all of this… the prepping, the glam session, and the gala take me back to my first and last event of this magnitude.

The one I attended with Sebastian.

Now sitting here, three years later, I realize how much things have changed. How I’ve changed, yet a lot feels the same, as if no time has passed at all.

“Ella.” I cringe when the hairstylist burns my scalp while straightening my hair. For tonight, instead of waves or curls, I chose to have my long blonde hair straightened to perfection and added hair extensions for more volume and length. My hair falls down my ass, making me look almost like Rapunzel with how long it is.

“Yes?” My mini fashionista applies glitter gloss and pops her lips three times like I did when the makeup artist was applying my nude lipstick. Laughing softly, I ask. “Are you feeling this dress?” Grabbing the phone from the vanity, I point it toward the gown hanging on the metal rack for her to see. Since it was a last-minute invite, I didn’t have much time to shop for the perfect gown for this occasion. This gala is all about fashion more than the art they showcase. Now, seeing the dress, I am not so sure about it. Ugh. This is why I dislike dealing with these types of events and also why I find last-minute invites incredibly rude. Give people the courtesy to find the right outfit in advance and not two days before the event.

“I would love it if it were pink, mommy, but you will be the most beautiful princess there. Do not fret!” Oh, the way this girl expresses herself… hilarious and oh-so-sweet. Melting, I offer her a soft smile. “You always know what to say, kid.”

“I know. I’m the bestest.”

“You sure are.”

She giggles while I grin at my little sweet and sour girl. One moment she can be extremely sassy and hilariously rude, and other times she’s the sweetest kid.

Knock, knock.

Looking away from my phone, I look at Oliver, my assistant at the door holding a big black box. “This was delivered and it’s addressed to you, boss.” He’s been a God-send, helping me maneuver all these people here tonight.

“Oh, mom, you gots a present!” Ella screeches. “Let me see! Open it.”

Laughing, I stand from the chair and place the phone back down on the vanity so I can open the box so Ellaiza could see.

Taking the box from Oliver, I stop to see that it is a matte black packaging from House of Arnault. One of the most expensive high fashion brands in the world. I know my fashion, just like I know journalism. House Arnault was created in France and is now a household name. A billion-dollar brand that belongs to Dionysius Arnault. The grandson of the initial designer.

I also know that House of Arnault is currently— Andrea Nicolasi’s brand—only rival.

A whistle sounds from behind me, making me turn to look over my shoulder. I watch Vanni, the makeup artist, look down at the box in awe. “That brand is expensive as fuck. I need to sell a liver to afford as much as a belt from that line, and even then, I think I’ll be short.”

Snorting, I turn back to the box.

“Open it, Mom! I’m waiting.” Ella says impatiently.

Loosening the black bow, I find a note.

You are made of solid gold, Arianna. It is only fitting that tonight you’re dripping in it.

I love you to the sun and back.

A million times. - S

Thud.

Thud.

Damn. tyrant, why do you have to be so sweet?

“Who is it from!?” Ella asks.

“Your father.”

“Daddy has it bad, mommy. He has mad, mad love for you. Now, open it!”

“Yes, ma’am.” I roll my eyes playfully and open the box, and when I do, I am taken aback when I see the most stunning fabric. Taking the gown out of the box, I smile from ear to ear because this dress is ridiculously stunning.

Perfection.

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