Page 57 of Damaged Enemy Next Door

"I love you," he writes.

"Ditto."

An hour later, the bell rings, and I answer it. But to my surprise, there's a team of five people standing outside my house. There are hairdressers, makeup artists, and a stylist - courtesy of Adrian Carter.

"What is going on?" I ask, almost scared out of my wits.

"Adrian sent us here," one of the ladies says, openly stunned at the sheer amount of extravagancy he'd promised them upon their arrival. "We need to get you all dolled up for your special night!"

My heart sinks. This wasn't what I had in mind when I texted him earlier. All around me, there is a flurry of activity and confusion as everyone starts getting ready for our date night. Despite all the hustle and bustle though, one thing stands out clearly – Adrian isn't here and why am I being put through this?

"I don't need your services," I finally say, feeling lost and anxious. "You can leave, honestly."

"But ma'am," the stylist says, "everything has been paid for and it's non-refundable."

"And that's not my problem!" I proclaim.

Just then, the doorbell rings again and Emily walks in with her babysitter in tow. She is so excited to see the hairdressers and make-up artists work their magic on me that she starts jumping up and down enthusiastically.

"Please Olivia," she gasps at the clothes being laid out, "please play princess. This is so much fun!"

Seeing how jubilant Emily is, I can't help but relax a bit more. "Fine," I laugh softly. "I guess someone found her new favorite activity!"

The team eagerly gets to work with Emily closely overseeing everything they're doing. She even convinced me to play dress-up with her while they do my hair and makeup, trying out different wigs and outfits on herself.

Two whole hours later, I'm dressed. Emily gasps and says, "Olivia you look like the most beautiful princess I've ever seen!"

Petrified of what they've done to me, I allow the stylist to put me in my floor-length gown and walk in front of the mirror. I gasp - I don't remember the last time I looked this ... beautiful.

My dark hair is down in gentle curls that frame my face, and the deep silver color of my long dress accentuates the natural curves of my body. Diamonds dangle from my ears and loop around my wrists, glittering brighter than any stars in the night sky. Around me is a sweet scent that leaves me feeling special and radiant - a feeling I haven't had in such a long time.

For a single minute, all of my doubts melt away, replaced by this feeling of happiness as I marvel at this beautiful woman in the mirror.

If Adrian keeps this up, I laugh to myself, I could get used to this.

As I finish admiring myself in the mirror, I hear the sound of footsteps approaching. "Madam, this was left for you at the front door," the hairstylist says, handing over a note and then bows before he leaves.

"Olivia, sorry I can't come to pick you up. There is a car waiting for you and the chauffeur will bring you to me."

Needless to say, I am disappointed. I am hoping we could have some quiet time together on the drive before we reached whichever restaurant we were heading to tonight.

Just then, the doorbell rings again. This time, it's a man in a suit holding a bouquet of roses and a small box. "Delivery for Miss Olivia," he says, handing over the gifts.

I take the flowers and the box, wondering what's going on. The box is small and wrapped in a deep red ribbon. I untie it and find a beautiful necklace inside. The diamonds flash as I hold the necklace up in the light. There's a note attached.

"Put the necklace on, Olivia," the note reads. "I want you to feel as beautiful as you look. And don't worry, I promise the time will be worth it."

So I put on the necklace, feeling the cool metal against my skin. I take one last deep breath and head out to the waiting car. Emily's babysitter promised she would help the team out and lock up my house for me.

The chauffeur opens the door for me, and I step inside. As we drive through the city, I can't help but feel a sense of confusion building within me. I don't know what Adrian has planned, but I've never experienced so much attention before. If this was his way of apologizing, he should know it won't work on me.

I'm not one of those women who can be bought with diamonds and pretty dresses.

I add this to my list of grievances I need to talk to him about.

Eventually, we arrive at an ornate building that looks like a palace. The chauffeur opens the door for me again, and I step out into the cool night air.

Adrian is standing at the top of the steps, his eyes fixed on me as I ascend. He looks more handsome than ever, dressed in a tailored suit and holding a single red rose.

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