Chapter 4 GALA MOMENTS

"Ummm, yes, I am in. Sorry, but I would like to ask a." Riley skeptically replied.

"Whatever you need to know and your payment will be communicated to you via your email, you don't need to worry about that." James responded

"Oh, okay then." Riley replied with a smile.

"See you tomorrow then. Have a nice day, Miss Riley," James said formally.

"Thank you," Riley responded happily. Thankfully, she finally got a job, she said to herself while leaving the mansion.

It was nighttime, and Riley fell asleep on her bed.

Riley finds herself wandering through a landscape like a painting, fading into memory. As she walks, she senses a presence nearby.

Riley: hey? Who are you?

The figure pauses, facing Riley with a smile. I'm not sure how to introduce myself to you,but I feel like we've met before.

Riley's brows furrowed in confusion. You feel familiar to me too,but I can't quite place it. Have we met before? Riley asked

Unknown figure: Well, maybe we've met in another world,but not in this life.

Riley: Do you think we could be related somehow? Like long-lost sisters or something???

"Bing, bing, bing." startled awake by the blaring alarm, Riley groggily blinked and opened her eyes. With a groan, she fumbled for the snooze button and lay still half asleep on the bed when she remembered that she had gotten a new job and was supposed to resume today.

"Shit, I totally forgot I have a job already," Riley said, jumping off her bed and rushing to the bathroom to freshen up. Afterward, she dressed up and sat on a wooden chair opposite her mirror to apply a little makeup,when the thought of her dream came into her head. "What sort of dream is that? she said, talking to herself and applying her mascara. Could it be because I went to bed hungry last night? That's why I had such a weird dream,Riley said, still talking to herself".

She picked up her bag and headed out to the living room.Nana, I'm leaving already," Riley yelled to the sound of grandma in the kitchen.

"Oh, my dear, here I packed some food for you; make sure you don't go hungry." Grandma said it with care and a calm tone.

"What will I do without you, Nana?" Riley said, pouting her lips playfully and pecking her nana before heading out of the house.

(IN MORELOS,MEXICO CITY)

Rabel Antonio, the wealthy daughter of Mrs. Antonio, is rude, arrogant,arrogant and savage and is betrothed to Lucas Suarez because of her father's company, which he left before he died. She has to marry Lucas Suarez,even though she never wants to get married to anyone,she doesn't like the idea of marriage,and she hates anything called love.

"RING ....RING..."

Rabel picked up her phone , checked the caller ID, and it was her only friend Hannah calling. "Hey Hannah, what's good?".

"Rabel, darling, how are you doing?" That was Hannah's voice over the phone. She continued talking, "By the way, you have no idea how stunning you look in the dress we got today at the mall. You are like a version of beautiful, my friend.".

Rabel, with a flushed cheek, responded, "Thank you, darling. You never stop to tease me. You look fabulous in the dress you picked too. Anyways, you know me. Always trying to make an impression." Rabel said, rolling her eyes like Hannah could see her through the phone.

"Well, you actually succeeded; see you at the gala's tonight. Hannah said, giggling over the phone, and ended the call.

AT THE GALA

As Rabel walked into the gala hall elegantly,heads turned and whispers followed. She was so beautiful in her masterpiece of silk and lace gown, which flowed gracefully around her, revealing her regal stature and commanding presence.

Suddenly, a collision disrupts her glance as a waitress carelessly bumps into her. "Watch where you are going; it's a gala and not a rodeo," Rabel said with a cold glare. "I'm... sorry, ma'am," the waitress apologized,but Rabel gave her a code glare that sent shivers down the waitress's body. "Next time, pay attention to your surroundings," Rabel said, and she walked away elegantly.

She engages in animated conversation with fellow guests, effortlessly fitting from one group to another with a glass of champagne in her hand.

As Rabel strides into the bustling gala hall,her friend rushes over to greet her.

"Here you are, my darling friend,looking stunning as always." Hannah said, giving Rabel a side hug and kisses on both sides of her cheeks.

"Rabel, who was excited to see her only friend,happily reciprocated the hug.

"Come, let's dive into the festivities. I heard there's a silent auction happening in the corner, and I got my eyes on that gorgeous piece of art."" Hannah said with a smiling face, "

"Lead the way, Hannah; I'm always up for a bit of friendly competition," Riley replied, laughing.

As they weave through the crowd, Rachel and Hannah catch sight of familiar faces and wave enthusiastically.

"Hey, isn't that Fernadas from the auction committee? Let's go say hello," Hannah said. "Sure," Rabel replied skeptically.

As Rabel and Hannah approached Fernandes, they were greeted with a warm smile and a welcoming handshake.

"What a pleasure to see you both here today," Fernadas said with a smiling face.

"Any sneak peeks at the silent auction item? Rachel asked, drinking from her glass of champagne.

"You two are full of surprises; well, since you asked nicely, come with me," James responded.

Rabel and Hannah exchange excited glances as they browse. Rabel sets her sights on a dazzling necklace, while Hannah chooses a luxurious handbag.

Let the bidding war begin. Rabel and Hannah said, glancing at each other.

The auction comes to a close, and Rabel emerges victorious, winning the coveted necklace with a triumphant smile. Hannah, too, celebrates her success, having secured the luxurious handbag of her dreams.

The gala comes to an end. Rachel bids farewell to her fellow guests as everyone is leaving,including Rabel and Hannah.

They headed towards Rabel's car; her driver was already waiting. "I will spend the night at your house tonight," Hannah said when they were driving home.

"It's perfect. My mom is out of town, so I need your company, my friend." Rabel replied, smiling.

As they got home, Rabel and Hannah headed up to go freshen up. As Hannah's phone rang, it was her boyfriend calling, but she ignored the call.

"Why are you ignoring Felix's call, and why is your face frowning all of a sudden?" Rabel asked, pulling off her earrings.

"It's nothing serious,not just in the mood to talk to him," Hannah replied. "Hmm that's true, talking about boyfriends; what about Lucas? Have you heard from him?" Hannah asked, facing Rabel.