Page 10 of Ensnared
Tessa patted my shoulder. "You've got this," she said firmly. "We're making you look like a queen, but remember—the real strength comes from in here." She tapped my chest, right over my heart.
Finally, they stepped back, admiring their handiwork. "Time for the dress," Mara announced, a hint of excitement in her voice.
I slipped into the midnight blue gown, the fabric cool against my skin. As Tessa helped me into the silver strappy heels, I caught a glimpse of myself in the full-length mirror and froze.
The woman staring back at me was stunning. Elegant. Fierce. She looked nothing like the Josephine I knew, yet somehow, she was still me. My eyes smoldered with a smoky makeup look. My lips were painted a deep, rich red that made me think of wine and secrets.
"Well?" Tessa prompted, a proud smile on her face. "What do you think?"
I turned, watching the dress shimmer in the light. "I look..."
"Gorgeous," Mara finished for me. "Absolutely gorgeous."
As I stared at my reflection, something shifted inside me. The fear and uncertainty that had been my constant companions melted away, replaced by a steely determination. I stood taller, my chin lifting slightly.
"You ready to face the world?" Tessa asked, adjusting a stray curl.
I met her eyes in the mirror, a small smile playing on my lips. "I'm ready to face Colson," I replied, my voice steady and sure. "Whatever he throws at me, I can handle it."
I waited as they packed up their supplies and headed downstairs. There were a few words between them and my family. I ticked off fifteen seconds in my head before I headed toward the open door.
As I walked out of my bedroom, each step in those silver heels felt like a step towards a new version of myself. I was no longer just Josephine, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Tonight, I was Josephine, and I was ready to play the game on my own terms.
The nerves were still there, fluttering in my stomach, but they were overshadowed by a newfound confidence. Whatever happened tonight, I knew one thing for certain—I was going to make an impression Colson wouldn't soon forget.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself at the top of the stairs. The soft rustle of my dress and the gentle click of my heels on the worn hardwood were the only sounds as I descended, each step deliberate and poised.
As I reached the bottom, I was met with a tableau of stunned faces. My family stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief.
My mother was the first to break the silence, her hand flying to her mouth as she gasped, "Oh, Joey... You look absolutely gorgeous!"
I felt a flush creep up my neck, unused to such praise. "Thanks, Mom," I murmured, smoothing down the front of my dress self-consciously.
My father cleared his throat, blinking rapidly as if trying to reconcile the image before him with his memory of his little girl. "You clean up good, kiddo," he managed, his voice gruff with emotion.
Logan circled me, whistling low. "Damn, sis. You actually look like you belong in Windmere Haven now." He grinned, but I could see a hint of worry in his eyes.
I raised an eyebrow at him, my newfound confidence allowing me to quip, "Was that supposed to be a compliment?"
He laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I calls 'em like I sees 'em." His expression softened as he asked, "You want me to walk you over? It's getting dark out."
For a moment, I was tempted. The thought of having my brother by my side, even for a little while longer, was comforting. But I knew this was something I had to do alone.
I shook my head, offering him a small smile. "Thanks, but I've got this. This is... it's something I need to do on my own."
My mother stepped forward, adjusting an errant curl with trembling fingers. "Are you sure, sweetheart? We could all walk you."
"No," I said firmly, but gently. I took her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I appreciate it, really. But I can't use you as a crutch. Not for this."
My father nodded, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes. "You're stronger than you know, Joey. Remember that tonight."
I took a deep breath, drawing strength from their love and support. "I will," I promised.
As I turned towards the door, I caught a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror. The woman looking back at me was ready. She was strong. She was Josephine Shaw.
With one last look at my family, I opened the door and stepped out into the warm evening air. The path to Colson's mansion stretched before me, intimidating yet full of possibility. Whatever lay ahead, I was prepared to face it head-on.
As I began my walk, the gentle click of my heels on the pavers sounded like a countdown. With each step, I left behind the old Joey and embraced the new Josephine—elegant, fierce, and ready for whatever Colson had in store.
