The Reborn Witch Princess

Prince Party

As they approached the sleek, black sedan waiting at the curb, Bella pulled out her phone and squinted at the screen to check the time. The car's polished surface gleamed under the streetlights, reflecting the neon glow from the nearby shops.

"Hara, are you sure you don't need a last-minute touch-up? You look like you're about to fall asleep," Bella said, her voice laced with concern as she adjusted the strap of her stylish clutch.

Hara let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm fine. I've been ready for the past twenty minutes. It's not my fault you're always late." She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, the soft rustle of her dress brushing against her legs.

Bella shot her a playful glare. "Excuse me, but you were the one who took forever deciding which shoes to wear. I only had to wait because you couldn't make up your mind."

Hara folded her arms defensively, her eyes narrowing. "Oh, please. I was trying to look presentable. Unlike you, who's probably been ready for hours and is just trying to make me look bad."

Bella chuckled, her laughter light and infectious. "Yeah, well, I have to make sure my best friend doesn't embarrass herself. It's a big responsibility."

Hara rolled her eyes, though a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'll try not to embarrass myself."

Hara walked toward the car, her heels clicking on the pavement, and turned back to wave goodbye to her mom, who stood at the door with a worried expression. The cool night air brushed against her cheeks, and she felt a pang of nervous excitement.

"You're so damn slow!" Bella scowled as she slid into the backseat of the car, her voice filled with playful frustration.

"Oh, please. I'm a woman just like you," Hara replied, her tone laced with a mix of irritation and amusement.

Hara managed to stifle a retort, taking a deep breath before stepping into the car. The driver, a neatly dressed man in a dark suit, gave a polite nod as he closed the door behind her and started the engine. The car's interior was plush, with leather seats and a faint scent of vanilla.

"I'm sorry for making you wait, Bella. I—"

"It's fine. I'm not mad," Bella replied with a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting the soft light from the car's interior.

Hara let out a sigh of relief. "That's good," she murmured, trying to steady her nerves.

A few questions crossed her mind, swirling around her thoughts like leaves in the wind.

"Where are we going?" Hara asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed out of the window at the cityscape. The night was alive with twinkling lights and the distant hum of traffic.

She had no idea where Bella was taking her, but she had promised to join her, setting aside her homework for the evening. The thought of unfinished assignments gnawed at her, adding to her growing unease.

"Hara! Are you even listening to me?" Bella's voice broke through her thoughts, and she felt a gentle shake on her shoulder.

"Huh—oh! Sorry... What did you say?" Hara asked, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

She bit her lip guiltily, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dress.

"We're going to the prince's party," Bella said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Hara's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

Oh my God.

This is bad!

I would never go to a prince's party!

I'm dead if Dad finds out where I'm going!

I'm done! I'm done!