"Lyvana, there she is!" Mark said, stepping forward to greet her. He kissed her on the lips.
His eyes moved over the purple dress, and he looked mesmerized.
"Lyvana, you look... incredible. Doesn't she, Clarisse?"
Clarisse stood behind him, her face turning a pale, angry white. She clutched her purse so hard her knuckles turned white.
She had planned to humiliate Lyvana tonight, but Lyvana had already ruined the first part of her plan just by showing up in this gown.
"Stunning." She forced herself to say.
Her voice sounded like it was being squeezed out of her throat. She knew exactly what that label cost, and the envy was written all over her face.
Mark laughed nervously. "Well, you certainly caught everyone's eye. Come on, the toast is starting."
As they walked, Mark leaned into her ear. "I thought you were returning that gown, Lyvana. We discussed this."
Lyvana didn't look at him.
"I decided to buy it for myself, Mark," she said simply.
