Chapter 5 The award ceremony

I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, mesmerized by the elegance of the gown hugging my figure. Its navy blue satin flowed gracefully, accentuating my slender curves. The V-neckline adorned with intricate lace detailing created a striking contrast against the smooth fabric. Every step I took caused the gown's silhouette to glint in the light.

Struggling to maintain the facade of confidence I had been cultivating(since I put on the dress), My fingers fiddled with the shimmering silver necklace gracing my neck-It belonged to my mother, and I've always worn it to feel close to her even if she was gone.

A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts. "Madz, it's almost time," Chelsea's voice seeped through the door. "Shelly is waiting for you downstairs and you need to leave in fifteen" she added, I quickly dried my eyes which I hadn't realized had started dripping with tears, Reapplying makeup and composing myself.

"I'm almost done!" I called out as I turned my attention back to my hair after I was done with retouching my makeup, trying to style it into a neat chignon as my shaking hands struggled to fasten the pearl hairpins. I had never been one for fancy events, let alone fancy dresses. But, tonight, I had no choice. My attendance today was for business purposes and to show Tiffany, I didn't belong to her. "Make Shelly feel at home for now"

"Better hurry, time's ticking," Chels voice drifted away as she moved downstairs.

"Alright, love, you're getting on my nerves now, I said I was coming! " I yelled, trying to sound annoyed, I fumbled to put on the finishing touches, and even though I heard the sounds of her retreating footsteps, I still added, "It's not like you're coming with me, calm down. I'll be done in a minute." Then I wore the silver heels I got from when I went to Greece to secure a Business deal.

Reciting an imaginary mantra to calm my nerves, I descended the stairs, stepping outside to encounter an ecstatic Shelly and a starry-eyed Chelsea. Okay, now something's wrong. Chels was the one who eventually found her voice, bursting with enthusiasm. "Omigosshhhhhh!!! Maddie! you look..."

"Stunning!" Shelly finished Chelsea's sentence, her eyes wide with admiration. "Absolutely breathtaking! Beautiful?"

I smiled and did a little twirl "Thanks, guys"

Shelly, beamed with excitement, "Seriously, Madz, you're going to turn heads tonight! This dress is everything!"

"I know right?" I chuckled "But your dress looks even more amazing Shells"

"Awwn, Thanks" She did a twirl, I laughed still staring at her beautiful emerald green dress that complimented her vibrant personality. "We are soooooo...going to turn heads tonight."

"You both really do look gorgeous," Chelsea gushed. "The dress, the hair, the makeup - it's all perfect! And now I'm tempted to follow you guys and shoo every stupid guy who so much as dare put his eyes on you in a weird way" She grinned, causing me to smack her head.

"Are you sure this is formal enough?" I asked nervously, still feeling self-conscious about my choice of attire. "I mean, it..."

"You look stunning..." Shelly took my hand in hers, her cheerful voice breaking through my thoughts. "Ready to dazzle the night away?"

"You bet I am!"

As we prepared to leave, my sister ran up to us, stopping us at the door "Be safe, both of you,"

I smiled and ruffled her hair, she continued "It's a big event, and you know how wild these things can get. Just promise to look out for each other."

"We'll be fine, Chells," I reassured, giving her a quick hug. "We'll stick together and watch out for each other. Pinky swear"

"Cool, now get out of here you both!" She pushed us out and ran back inside. Her friends were already on their way for a sleepover I told her to set up. I didn't want her to be alone at home.

We climbed into the sleek black sedan that Shelly had arranged for us. As the car pulled away from the curb, I felt a knot of anticipation in my stomach. What would this night hold?

The car drove us through the city, past glittering skyscrapers and bustling nightlife. I tried to relax and enjoy the view, but my thoughts kept circling back to the event. Tiffany had threatened me with not attending this charity today. So, there must be a reason.

What was she hiding? What did she want to protect so bad that seeing my face might ruin it? Would I meet anyone interesting? Would I make a good impression? Would I accidentally say something embarrassing, and make a fool of myself and my company ?"

So many negative thoughts all running through my mind

As the car maneuvered through the city streets, I stole glances out of the window, marveling at the illuminated skyline. The night was young, and for a moment, I decided to allow myself to embrace the excitement brewing within me, ready to face whatever awaited me at the gala.

Eventually, we arrived at the venue. It was a lavish hotel, with a grand entrance and a red carpet.

Okayy, wow?

The car came to a halt and once we stepped out, a wave of nerves washed over me again. But I took deep breaths to calm myself. I cannot chicken out of this now. Flashbulbs popped, capturing our entrance as we made our way inside. The red carpet led into the lobby, where a line of people waited to have their invitations scanned and verified. When our turn came, I handed my invitation to the attendant, who scanned it with a handheld device and smiled at me.

"Welcome, Ms. Hartley, you look beautiful," he said, stepping aside to let me through. "Thanks" I blushed and walked ahead of Shelly into the lobby, I could feel my heart racing. The hotel was stunning, with intricate chandeliers and lush flower arrangements. A string quartet played classical music in the corner, and a bar was set up on the far wall.