AMELIA POV
When I looked in the mirror, excitement and concern filled me. Emily's good taste was evident in the gorgeous dark blue dress that hugged my figure. The sophisticated lace at the neckline added sophistication, and a slight slit below the knee increased seduction.
My reflection revealed a made-over version of myself. The smoky eye makeup and red lipstick gave me a fierce, bold look that exuded confidence. My black hair was tied in a low bun with a few loose curls framing my face, making me feel both elegant and stylish. Standing there in that moment, I couldn't help but wonder at the transformation Emily had created.
"Ready?" Emily's voice interrupted my thoughts, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked at me in the room's mirror.
I turned to Emily, sincere gratitude lighting up my eyes. "Emily, I can't express how grateful I am. I would never have come up with this idea on my own," I admitted, appreciating the unexpected yet pleasant change in our day thanks to her suggestion.
A warm smile spread across Emily's face, her eyes reflecting a sense of pride. "You deserve to feel absolutely beautiful and confident," she said seriously. "Tonight is your time to shine, and I just want to make sure you look and feel nothing short of amazing." Her words were filled with genuine warmth, leaving me touched by her kind gesture.
Her words resonated deeply within me, and gratitude welled up, realizing how lucky I was to have such an amazing sister in my life. Emily has always been my strong support, by my side through ups and downs. When I looked at her, a sincere smile spread across my face, grateful for the unbreakable bond we shared. Sisters like her are a rare treasure, and I can't help but deeply appreciate Emily's constant presence on my journey.
Before I could answer, her phone rang with a series of urgent messages from our mother. She frowned, glanced at the screen, then quickly hugged and kissed me on the cheek. "Dad's insisting you go, and promise me you'll call later with all the thrilling updates, alright?"
I looked at her with curiosity, "Aren't you coming with me?" I asked, wondering why she wasn't joining for what seemed like an important event.
She thought for a moment, her eyes briefly looking away before meeting mine again. "I wish I could," she stated, her voice sounding a bit sorry. "But I have previous plans that I can't change."
I nodded in understanding, though disappointment crept into my reaction. “That's understandable,” I replied, trying to hide my disappointment with a polite smile. Deep down, I hoped for her company, knowing that her presence would add to the joy of the occasion.
She sighed, a bit of disappointment in her eyes. "I wish I could, but duty calls. Mom needs me to take care of some family matters. Have fun; I'll be there in spirit." Despite the situation, she added in a playful tone, "Imagine me dancing in the background and cheering you on from afar!"
I laughed at his attempt to lighten the mood, appreciating the effort to inject some humor into what could have been a difficult situation. "Okay, it's a virtual dance party. I'll be sure to keep you posted on all the 'exciting details' as promised."
Before we could finish our conversation, a siren suddenly sounded outside the house, interrupting the moment. We both turned to the window, where I saw a shiny car waiting near the curb. The feelings of excitement and nervousness that had been building up inside me now reappeared.
“It looks like my car has arrived,” I commented, my voice sounding impatient. I grabbed my bag, slung it over my shoulder, and headed out the door.
I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I will, promise. You take care too. Besides, Mom and Dad are there, so you don't need to worry."
With a final wave, I stepped out of the house the evening air greeted me, and I headed towards the waiting car. The driver greeted me with a friendly smile. As I sat in a comfortable seat, I couldn't help but glance toward the house, realizing my sister was still standing near the door, waving at me. It was a bittersweet moment.
The car glided through the city streets, the moon shining a soft light on the outside world. My mind was filled with excitement and nervousness. This meeting was a milestone in my life, and I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me at Westwood Mansion
The driver, feeling that I was lost in thought, broke the silence with a friendly smile. "Going to be a fun night, huh?"
I returned the smile, thankful for the effort to ease the tension. "I guess we could say that it is. It feels a bit unreal, to be honest."
He chuckled, nodding in understanding. "Big events have a way of doing that. What are you going to do in Westwood Mansion? There aren't many who receive invitations from this family."
As we moved through the city's maze of streets, I shared a quick but interesting peek into the reason for my invitation. "Apparently, it's a special gathering—I'm going to marry the only son of the Westwood Family. That's why I'm here to meet them. It's a bit of a big revelation, to be honest."
The driver's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Sounds like you're stepping into the world of a business tycoon. Just be yourself, and you'll do just fine."
As the luxury car approached the grand estate, my breath caught in my throat. Westwood Mansion loomed before my eyes, a majestic structure that seemed to reach for the stars. Bathed in the soft glow of strategically placed lamps, the mansion exudes elegance and history, each brick whispering stories of the past.
The car stopped at the entrance, and I couldn't help but be captivated by the scene. The expansive gardens surrounding the mansion were a beautiful masterpiece, with blooming flowers and manicured hedges leading to the majestic entrance. Ornate architecture adorned the facade, complex details telling stories of the many eras the mansion has passed through.
As I got out of the car, the cool night air surrounded me, filled with excitement and curiosity. The driver, sensing my amazement, gave a knowing smile. "Amazing, right? Westwood Mansion always makes an impression."
I nodded, couldn't look away from the beauty. "It's more than I imagined. I can't believe I'm seeing this amazing place."
He chuckled, understanding the mix of emotions. "Well, enjoy the night, Madam. Westwood Mansion can be a bit of a maze, especially for first-timers." His friendly attitude brought a bit of warmth to the cold night.
I nodded appreciatively. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice.
With a final wave, I watched as the car smoothly glided away, leaving me standing in the glow of the mansion's entrance. Taking a deep breath, I approached the grand doors, each step echoing a blend of anticipation and curiosity. As they swung open, revealing the opulence beyond, I couldn't help but wonder what the night held in store within the enchanting walls of Westwood Mansion.
A well-dressed butler greeted me with a polite smile. "Good evening, Ma'am. This way please, they're waiting for you in a while," he said, gesturing towards the elegant staircase that led to the upper floors.
At the top of the stairs, I entered a large dining room decorated with beautiful carpets and sparkling crystals. The room looked really luxurious, and the table was set with beautiful china and silverware. The Westwood family, known for their regal presence, sat at the head of the table, their serious expressions hinting at the weight of their expectations.
My parents, dressed in their finest clothes, welcomed me with smiles as I approached. Their eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and hope, knowing how important this evening was for our family. Sitting beside them, I couldn't help but feel thankful for their constant support.
“You are so beautiful,” my mother whispered, a touch of motherly pride in her voice. My father nodded gently and added, "Tonight is an important evening for all of us. Let's make the most of it."
As the first course was served, I glanced at the Westwood family. They had this strong and elegant presence, every move they made grabbing attention. I couldn't help but feel their eyes on me, as if they were judging if I was worthy to be part of their respected family.
My mother leaned in, her voice a gentle murmur. "Remember, dear, this is not just about tonight. It's about the connections you make, the impressions you leave.
I nodded, taking in his wisdom as the conversation continued around us. The Westwood family shared stories about their rich history, while my parents listened and engaged in the discussion. I felt a heavy responsibility on my shoulders. Tonight was more than just a dinner; it was an important negotiation between two families.