Chapter 2 2

Nicole's POV

These days, I've been trying to get a loan from various banks, but they all rejected me because my mom and I don't even have any fixed assets.

As I wandered aimlessly through the streets, pondering where I could gather the medical expenses, I found myself in front of my father's mansion. The massive iron gates bore a golden letter "D" at their center.

In front of the mansion, there was a circular crossroads with a large fountain in the center, topped with a statue of a roaring black wolf. The garden was vibrant and alive, with perfectly manicured Bermuda grass and the scent of fresh grass and flowers wafting through the air.

To my surprise, everyone in the mansion was very busy today. The flowers in the garden were being trimmed, and Aunt White and other women were cleaning the house. I wondered what occasion called for such preparation.

Since my birth, this was the first time I had seen everyone in the mansion working so hard. I had to ask someone what was happening. Suddenly, I saw Ms. White carrying several boxes out. Ms. White was the maid who took care of me when I was a child; she was the kindest person to me in the entire mansion.

"Ms. White, hello." She smiled warmly as soon as she saw me.

"My little Nicole, what brings you here? Did you miss me?" She said, putting down the boxes and pulling some candy from her apron pocket, which she stuffed into my hand.

"My little Nicole, these are your favorite orange candies. Remember, only one a day." Ms. White patted my head with a smile.

My eyes welled up, and I almost cried.

"Ms. White, let me help you." I stepped forward, trying to help her with the boxes, but she refused, telling me they might be too heavy for me.

To her surprise, I took the box from her hands as if it were made of light material and helped place it in the trunk of the car at the entrance.

Ms. White raised her eyebrows in astonishment, wondering how I did it.

"Wow... Nicole, you've grown up strong, just like your mother." When she mentioned that I looked like my mom, my low spirits lifted. I was very proud of myself now, and I believed my mother would be, too.

"Uh... Ms. White, why is my dad's mansion so busy?"

"Oh, you don't know? Alpha Michael is coming to visit. I knew you wouldn't know because the last time he visited, you were just a little girl."

I couldn't believe my ears. The Alpha of the Shadow Crown Pack was coming?! It was like the King of Alphas was about to enter my world. My father, being such a proud man, would surely agree to pay for my mother's medical expenses if I could sneak into the party.

"Ms. White, my mom is sick and needs money for medicine, but Dad won't take my calls. Can I go in and see him?"

Ms. White looked at me, hesitated for a moment, and then led me to the back of the mansion.

"Nicole, follow me." Then Ms. White took me to the servants' quarters.

Everyone was busy preparing the house, so we didn't see anyone else on the way. After bringing me into her room, Ms. White said, "Nicole, wait here for a moment," and then she left.

A while later, Ms. White returned with a small package.

"Nicole, I got this wig, clothes, and jewelry from Vera's abandoned wardrobe. She wore this dress once, and once she wears something, she discards it. You'll pretend to be Vera at the party. Since you and Vera are twin sisters, no one will suspect your identity. Oh, and these are colored contact lenses. Remember to put them on too."

I looked at the beautiful dress. I had seen it in a magazine once; it cost $50,000, which is a quarter of my mother's surgery fee.

I couldn't remember the last time I went to the city center to buy clothes. All my clothes were old and tattered, some of which I had worn before I turned eighteen, and they were now pilling.

I hoped this time I could ask my dad for some money so I could pay for my mom's surgery.

For the first time, I wore such a beautiful dress. "Oh my, Nicole, you look gorgeous. This dress fits you like it was made for you."

Ms. White sat me in front of the vanity and styled the wig. She curled the hair into soft waves that fell to the middle of my back.

Once the styling was done, Ms. White took out her makeup kit. I couldn't help but ask why she was going to such lengths to make me look pretty.

"You might meet your mate today, Nicole," Ms. White replied, making me laugh.

Half an hour later, I was done. Ms. White hugged me and kissed my cheek. Before she had to return to work, she repeatedly told me how sexy and beautiful I looked.

I smiled at my reflection in the mirror.

I wore a strapless, burgundy dress with a heart-shaped neckline that fell just above my knees. It was tight, feeling like a second skin. My makeup was subtle. Thin eyeliner, mascara, and a soft rose-colored lipstick completed the look. She dabbed a bit of perfume on my neck and wrists.

I looked amazing. I had never felt more beautiful than I did at that moment.

If only I could be the person I truly wanted to be. I had spent my life in the slums and knew nothing about the outside world. I wished I could be like the celebrities I often saw in magazines and on TV.

My father had connections, but I was sure only Vera would get such an opportunity because she was his favorite daughter. But then again, I wouldn't wait for my father's help. If given a chance, I would strive to become who I wanted to be.

I took a deep breath and waited in the room for the party to start.