Gabrielle stared, eyes wide in shock. Who was she to Edward?
Her eyes moved from the woman's length of jet black hair, down her gorgeous face.
The dress —limited edition couture —hugged her every curve. On her, it was art.
These are the type of women in Edward's life, she thought, looking down at her calloused hands.
She swallowed, her fingers finding a lock of her hair. Playing with it.
She watched breathless as the woman moved with effortless grace. Her chest tightened, as if the air itself had grown scarce.
And her only view of him was of his broad shoulders, straight and imposing, yet calm, as he guided her out, hands settling on her waist.
No longer able to stay still, she stood, hands on her hips. She paced the room, lost in her own world. The image of them raced through her disheveled thoughts.
Her heart raced as multiple conclusions rushed in and out of her mind. Who was she?
She paused. Biting her nails, hands folded across her chest as she paced still.
Why did she care?
"Mummy"— freeing her from thoughts— Emilia's voice, small and hesitant. Her wide eyes looked up, scared.
Gabrielle stopped, walking over to Emilia, her heart lurched. "I'm sorry, love." Her fingers cupped her daughter's face, and she planted a kiss on her cheek.
Mrs. Puff's presence loomed in the far corner of the well-furnished room.
Realizing Emilia's caregiver hadn't left, she turned, instantly meeting Mrs. Puff's gaze, the kindness she met in them unnerving her. She quickly averted her eyes— She hated being pitied.
Anchoring herself, she rose."I would like to take Emilia for a stroll. We haven't been to these sides."Mrs. Puff interrupted. "Emilia is to stay on the property, ma'am. That is Mr Harrington's orders," she said apologetically as she excused herself.
Brows raised— orders? Irritation tainted her expression.
Mrs Puff stood there for a second, sad eyes boring holes through her. She turned to leave.
"I will be back by 4. To dress Miss Emilia."She announced, hands on the door as she slipped out.
She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. It's only been two days, and he has managed to humiliate and belittle her.
She wasn't going to fold that easily.
Later that evening, Mrs. Puff helped her into an Emerald green dress, adorned with fake crystals that sparkle regardless. The sleeves were long, stretching all the way to her wrist. She sensed judgment burning through the caregiver's eyes.
This was her best gown. Deflated, she sulked. She was too exhausted to care; the events of the last two days hovered over her so heavily she felt numb. Mrs Puff will have to deal with it.
She inspected her gown in the mirror; if she was being honest, she wasn't upset with it. The emerald dress hugged her waist as the rest of the gown flowed freely off her hips and legs, stopping at her ankles.
She swirled, finally smiling for the first time that day. Mrs Puff stared at her like she was insane, mad even. That didn't shake her newfound confidence.
Turning to the small figure on the bed," Emilia, you like it," she laughed as she walked over to the bed.
Emilia jumped off the bed, excitedly. "Mummy is so pretty," she chuckled, smiling from ear to ear.
"Thanks, my love," she responded, slightly out of breath.
Pulling her closer, she rested her chin atop her head.
A knock on the slightly ajar door cut through the delicate moment. She turned and froze.
It was Edward.
Clad in a deep gray suit that brought out the color of his eyes, he never looked more handsome. His normally disheveled hair was now sleeked back, every piece in place. Her heart found a new beat as heat rushed to her face.
"It seems you are all ready," he cleared his throat." The party starts by 8. And I need you and Emilia down by 7:30 to meet my family," he said coldly, his eyes roaming her body. She held her breath.
When his gaze swept over her, she saw…. disappointment? She flinched.
He started forward, walking towards Emilia. "Hey, beautiful," bending at the hip, he bopped her nose with his finger.
Emilia hopped from one leg to the other." Good afternoon, Mr Edward," she responded shyly.
"How about you come with me, get out of your mother's hair for a bit," Gabrielle began protesting, but was cut short by Edward's glare.
Hand in hand with Emilia, he walked out, briefly stopping at the door to give her one last look over, disgust written all over his face as if her presence were a stain in his perfectly polished world.
Sweat pooled between her breasts, at the crevice of her armpits, down her neck. Sure, there were a couple of holes— which were properly hidden— but the dress was rather nice.
She turned to see the same dissatisfied Expression on Mrs. Puff's face. Her confidence tanked." I can do my hair myself, you are excused". Mrs. Puff quietly left, and the door gently creaked as she exited.
Now alone, she wanted to vanish, as panic worked its way up her veins.
Her eyes burned hot as tears brimmed, her hands shaking and filled with sweat. His face from early played in her head. She really could not believe a time existed where he loved her.
Quite some time passed with her, an unraveling mess on the most beautiful floor she had ever seen— the irony, she scoffed.
She pulled herself up, rubbing her bloodshot eyes. She was going to get through the night.
With newfound courage, some hairpins, wipes, and perfume. She got ready the best she knew how.
As she stepped out of the room, something tugged at her. And she knew it was going to be a long night.