A week had passed, and Bell's relentless training was starting to show real progress. Her singing had become more refined, and her dance steps more fluid. Lisa, true to her word, had reached out to Vivica's old mentor, a man who had guided Vivica in her earlier years. When he responded, his tone was filled with joy, thrilled that Vivica had remembered him. "I'll be there," he promised. "Just give me a week to wrap up some things abroad, and I'll come to see her."
As the days went by, Bell found herself immersing deeper into Vivica's life—her routine, her style, and her persona. One day, Lisa arrived with an elegant invitation, embossed with gold lettering, to an exclusive party that they needed to prepare for in advance.
"It's a huge event, Viv," Lisa said, handing over the envelope. "We need to make sure everything's perfect."
Bell took the invitation, reading it over briefly before nodding. She'd grown accustomed to these high-society gatherings but knew they came with their own set of expectations. "Alright, let's get started."
Lisa had already made plans to update Vivica's wardrobe. They spent the next day visiting a boutique that catered to Vivica's distinctive fashion tastes. Bell was starting to understand Vivica's unique style—bold, sleek, and always ahead of the trends. Putting two and two together, Bell managed to choose pieces that would not only fit Vivica's persona but elevate it.
On the night of the event, Bell's outfit had been carefully selected—a deep ocean blue gown that draped down to the floor in a body-hugging silhouette. The dress featured a daring slit reaching just above her knee, allowing her the freedom to move gracefully. The gown was asymmetrical, with one long sleeve cascading down her left arm, while the right side was held up by a simple but elegant shoulder strap. To add a personal touch, Bell adorned the gown with delicate beaded strings along the waist and across the chest, giving the ensemble the perfect hint of sparkle under the lights.
Her hair had been dyed a striking platinum blonde, which contrasted beautifully against the deep blue of her dress. The soft waves in her hair framed her face perfectly, giving her a radiant glow. No longer confined to basic colors like black or blue, this bold choice in hair color made her stand out even more, and it complemented the elegance of her gown.
As she arrived at the party, all eyes were on her. The soft lighting of the venue highlighted the shimmer of her gown, and the sleek design emphasized her figure, showcasing a level of poise and charm that left the room in awe. Murmurs filled the air as heads turned to catch a glimpse of her entrance.
"Is that Vivica Winters?"
"She looks stunning!"
"Her style… It's so different, but so her."
Bell could feel the weight of their gazes, but instead of feeling anxious, she drew strength from the attention. This was her moment, and tonight she would own it.
Lisa, standing beside her, whispered, "You've outdone yourself, Viv. You're the center of attention."
Bell smiled softly, feeling a mix of satisfaction and nerves. Tonight would be a true test of her ability to embody Vivica Winters. And as the evening unfolded, she knew she had to prove herself worthy of the spotlight Vivica always commanded.
Bell, standing under the bright lights and amidst the noise of flashing cameras, felt a tight knot of anxiety form in her chest. Every movement, every glance, was scrutinized by the press was a minefield of attention that made her feel utterly exposed, and the crowd's energy buzzed around her like static electricity. Trying to channel Vivica's confident aura, she struggled to maintain her composure, trying to mimic the poise that Vivica Winters seemed to wear so effortlessly. she gave a tight-lipped smile as reporters shouted questions at her.
The more cameras flashed, and questions bombarded her from all sides, she began to falter a bit but stood her ground and keeping her emotions in check.
"Vivica! Over here!" "How do you feel about your latest project?" "Vivica! How are you handling your new project?" "Can we expect new music soon?" "Are the rumors about your personal life true?"
She froze again, the questions kept on swirling around her faster than she could process. Her head spun as she tried to figure out how to respond. Each question felt like a challenge she wasn't prepared for. Just as the panic threatened to crack her mask of confidence, she felt a hand grasp her arm. Looking at the familiar arm, she took a deep breath calming herself down.
"Come on, Viv," A smooth voice cut through the chaos.
Bell turned to see Liz Jones, one of Vivica's closest friends, smiling at her. With a firm but gentle grip, Liz pulled her away from the throng of reporters and led her to a quieter corner of the venue.
Bell exhaled shakily, glancing at Liz, who seemed completely unfazed by the situation.
"Thanks for saving me back there," Bell murmured, still trying to catch her breath. Bell exhaled, the tension slowly leaving her shoulders. "I didn't think I'd survive that."
"Don't mention it," Liz replied, flashing her a reassuring smile. "But listen, Viv, you need to remember who you are. You've got to own this. If you let them see your nerves, they'll tear you apart. You've never been the type to back down from a crowd. Don't let them rattle you. You're Vivica Winters, one of the biggest stars out there. If you act unsure, they'll eat you alive."
Bell blinked, unsure how to respond. "Yeah, I guess… it's just a lot," she said, her voice faltering slightly.
Liz raised an eyebrow. "I can tell something's off with you. But don't worry—we'll talk after this. For now, just breathe. You've got this. Show them why you're Vivica Winters." Bell froze, her breath catching in her throat. Did Liz notice? Before she could dwell on it, Liz gave her a knowing look.
Bell nodded, straightened her posture, giving Liz a grateful nod. "Yeah, I'll… I'll handle it."
Feeling the weight of Liz's words. She took a deep breath and flashed a dazzling smile at the nearby cameras. Liz gave her an approving nod before stepping back.
Bell felt her heart thudding in her chest, but Liz's confidence gave her the boost she needed. She stepped in front of the cameras once more, this time determined to channel the version of Vivica Winters everyone expected.
As they navigated the rest of the event together, Bell felt a mix of relief and anxiety. Liz stuck close by, guiding her when needed and offering subtle support. Liz had been a lifeline, but the looming conversation after the event left her on edge. What was Liz going to say? Would she see through her act?
But for now, Bell focused on getting through the night. She had managed to make it this far, and with Liz by her side, she hoped she could keep up the illusion a little longer.