Escapism - A Fantasy Romance

Chapter 11: The Lily of the Shitty Ball

The dream repeats every night, and just like always, I have the dream again. Except some details were different this time. The boy's face was covered in dark lines that looked almost like a spider web but under his skin. Also, the voice at the end changed. Instead of the pleading 'Help me,' the boy was obviously growing impatient because this time the voice yelled, "Now!" However, just like always, he startles me awake.

The sun is already high in the sky by the time I wake up. I know the party won't start until 10 this evening, but I can already feel the butterflies moving in my stomach. On the bright side, it can't be much worse than everything I have already been through. Knock on wood. I never really understood the wood part, but I will always remember the nervous little mouse of a scientist that always said it. It was a little weird, maybe that's why she was fired after a few months. At least, I assumed she was fired. Knowing what I know now, I doubt that Asher Corp ever let any of its employees leave in anything other than a body-bag.

I was brushing my hair when I heard a soft knock at the door. Walking over, I opened the door to find one of the housekeepers holding a large bag. I eyed it suspiciously, my mind still on Asher Corp's possible body-bags.

"I've brought your gown up, Ms.," the housekeeper said.

"You can call me Lily. My gown?"

"Yes, my Lord ordered me to bring it up to you. It just arrived."

"Byron got me a dress," I said in a shocked tone.

Ignoring my confusion, she hustled into my bedroom and laid it on the bed. "Will you be needing any assistance putting it on later?" she asked.

I politely declined. The idea of someone helping me get dressed bringing heat to my cheeks.

And just like that, the housekeeper was moving out of the room and down the hall. I guess she is very busy. There is the ball later this evening, that makes sense.

I step toward the bed and pull the zippered bag open. It's gorgeous. Even though I don't have much to compare it to, I know that the navy-blue gown is expensive. I have a feeling it's going to look so pretty with the contrast of my pale skin.

Feeling like a little girl playing dress-up, I shed my cloths in a wind-whirl and pull the dress on. It's strapless and the back isn't zipped up, so I have to hold the dress up, but, Holy cow! I look like a model. The sweet-heart neckline accentuates my collar bones and the curve of chest. It's fitted all the way down, flaring slightly at the bottom. How on Earth am I going to be able to walk in the dress, let alone dance? Then, I notice a rather scandalous slit at the side of the dress. This is not something I would ever choose to wear, but damn, I look hot.  

I glance over to the clock on the wall. I have a few hours until the ball. I guess, I should go explore the preparations. I shimmy out of the dress, hanging it back up, and slide on some more causal cloths.

Walking down the stairs all of the cleaners and other staff are running around like chickens with their heads cut off. But, damn it looks like it is going to be worth it. The foyer and the first floor living rooms have been totally transformed. The furniture has been moved and everything is opened up. I can also see one room with a huge table against the wall. Hopefully, it's for chocolate and pizza. I waste the afternoon watching the hustle and bustle of the ball preparations from my vantage point on the main staircase. I kind of feel like a naughty toddler who is sneaking around. After a while, Leo finds me with my head poked through the rails.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready?"

I glance over to him, and my jaw droops. Leo is looking mighty fine in a dark grey suit with his normally messy mop of black hair carefully styled.