Star slowly opened her eyes, it reminded her of years back when she had been down with fever and Louis had stayed up all night caring for her. Now,there he was again,seated elegantly on the sofa–serious impossibly attractive. Sleepless nights had left no trace on his beauty. The only difference now is the cruel reminder that he was now engaged to another woman.
This time Louis noticed her gaze,but instead he saw her face cloud slightly, "Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?" he asked.
She shook her head,saying nothing.
His chest tightened. She had been so distant ever since she returned,so quiet. He couldn't help but blame himself. But one thing was certain– he would fight for her love again no matter how long it takes.
"I'll be off to work now", he said softly, leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Maria will be here soon to keep you company".
"Uhnnn…. thank you," she murmured,her voice small and fragile.
This breaks Louis' heart even further but it's better at least she is warming up,even if just a little. That was enough for now. He straightened,gave her one last look and left the room.
Moments later, the door opened again. Maria had been led upstairs by the staff to the room where Star is. Maria burst inside, her energy a complete contrast to Maria's calm constraint. She rushed to Star's side and pulled her into a tight hug.
She immediately switched to her chatty mode.
"Girl…don't tell me you slept here in his room overnight." Maria teased,her mischievous eyes turned sparkling.
Star blushed faintly and quickly interrupted, "Don't think anything wild".
"You are such a kill joy, Maria said with a dramatic pout, lightening Star's mood.
Before Maria could tease further, a knock came at the door. One of the maids entered, bowing respectfully.
"Miss Star, people from the store are here to do fittings for you and also Miss Maria".
"Fittings? Maria repeated, leaping to her feet with a mixture of surprise and excitement. "Wow, this I did not see coming!"
The staff wheeled in racks of gowns,dresses, their fabrics shimmering under the warm light of the room. Silk,satins, and lace spilled across the hangers, their elegance overwhelming.
Maria's eyes widened in delight. "Star, look at this one!" She held up a pale-blue gown embroidered by silver threads. "You would look like a goddess in it".
Star's lips curled into a small smile. "It's beautiful…..but it feels unnecessary."
"Nonsense," Maria countered immediately,pressing the gown firmly against Star's figure. If Louis wants you to have all this then so be it which simply means he chose you over any other person.
Star's chest tightened at Maria's word. Indeed,she is lost,what exactly is Louis doing? What are his intentions? Or was he threatened to get engaged to Lisa?
Maria, oblivious to the storm in Star's heart, already had another gown for herself. She twirled in front of the mirror, giggling.
"Look at me! Don't I look like someone about to steal the spotlight?"
Star's eyes followed Maria as she spun,laughter ringing in the air. Star couldn't help but chuckle. Maria's vibrance was infectious. For a brief moment,she allowed herself to feel lighter, with the presence of Maria,her friend.
She quickly stood up, changed into the dress Maria had picked for her with the help of the maids. While Maria and the maids keep gushing over her beauty.
Meanwhile,across town, Lisa woke up with a terrible headache. A sharp, throbbing pain pounded through her head, each pulse stronger than the last. She tried lifting her head but her head was heavy forcing her to collapse back onto her pillow.
"Ahh," she hissed, rubbing her temples.
The door creaked open and her nanny entered, holding a steaming cup of tea and handed it to her.
"Miss,take the cup of tea as it would help with the headache. You had too much to drink yesterday."
Lisa blinked in confusion.Then it dawned upon her,she had driven off angrily to the club yesterday,and ordered drinks after drinking. But how had she gotten back here? Who had brought her home?
The nanny's calm, almost stern voice dragged her back from wherever her mind might have drifted to.
"Miss,you have to be careful out there. The Whites' must not know you were out late, moreover it's not good for you to have bad publicity now so you don't offend the Whitmores as well."
Lisa couldn't help but steal glances at the nanny as she goes about with her work,her every gesture graceful,practiced. Yet something about her unsettled Lisa.
Who is this woman? Her mind drifted to the conversation she had overheard that night,she had only heard the phrase "Make sure you get rid of her".
"Who could she be having those conversations with?" She murmured. And more importantly...who was the "her"?
A sudden buzz startled her. Her phone vibrated on the nightstand. She slowly reached over for the phone while looking over at the nanny. Immediately she stood up, forgetting what she was just processing now. She won't back down at this moment,she gets dressed up and heads towards Louis mansion.
Meanwhile,at work,Louis' mind couldn't help but drift towards Star. He called in his assistance,to get Star her favourite cranberry tea and cake. He got up and reached to go home when his phone buzz, a message dropped on his phone:
"Young master, Miss Lisa is at the entrance of the villa and she is insisting on coming inside."
At the entrance,Lisa was furious as she was denied access to the villa. She must get inside the villa at all costs before he returns from work. Immediately,an idea clicked in her head as she gave Mrs Whitmore a call. Within a few minutes,Mrs Whitmore arrived at Louis villa,the butler couldn't help but break down in cold sweat.