CREME DE LA CREME

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲: failed plans

Anastasia stood before the full-length mirror, delicately tracing the tulle fabric of the black dress that enveloped her. The strapless dress, with open back and sweetheart neckline, elegantly accentuated her upper body. It hugged her with a beautifully decorated bodice before flowing into a wide skirt that cascaded down to her knees. The dress evoked the sensation of a princess on the verge of a fairy-tale night, brimming with promise.

However, the room was charged with both apprehension and excitement. Beyond the thrill of Cameron's impending surprise and the vital need to bridge the gap that had been widening between them, Blair keenly felt how quickly every fairy-tale could crumble to dust. What could he be planning? Over the years, Cameron had not been known for his thoughtfulness. Their relationship had largely sailed on autopilot, conforming to expectations without much deviation. Anastasia hadn't questioned that—not even once. It had been easy, obvious yet perfect.

Determination, dormant for some time, surged within her as she gazed into her own eyes reflected in the mirror. She was prepared. Nerves fluttered in her stomach, the good kind–she reassured herself.

Stassi reached for her diamond necklace on the vanity and carefully secured the clasp, allowing the gems to grace her collarbone. With one final touch of lip gloss, she took a deep breath and stepped away from the mirror.

Through the half-opened door, Mercedes's voice drifted in, "Omg, Stassi! You look absolutely amazing!"

Mercedes entered the room with a confidence that would surely break a few necks later that night. Draped in a flowing, lightweight maxi dress that extended in shades of azure blue and white, she exuded a captivating charm. The dress was artfully cinched at her waist, emphasizing her silhouette with a subtle belt. Her obsidian hair tumbled in soft, luxurious waves over her shoulders, completing the picture. Effortlessly radiant Mercedes.

Her infectious smile warmed the room, and Anastasia couldn't resist responding, "Don't exaggerate, Merci. Look at yourself. No one can compete with you."

"Thank God we don't have to because you would definitely win. Truly, you look beautiful."

Anastasia's lips softened into a smile, touched by her best friend's infinite attempt to lift her spirits.

"Cameron's going to be speechless," Mercedes insisted, noticing her lack of confidence.

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

____________

The party pulsed with life, fueled by flowing alcohol and blaring music. The offspring of the most esteemed families of the  graced the event with their presence, and in the center of it all reigned Anastasia Hildebrand herself. Most of them were just faces in the crowd, her minions rather than her real friends. Yet, in the midst of it all, there were a select few who held a place in Anastasia's heart.

Mercedes's voice cut through the noise as she engaged in conversation with Jasper, or rather, argued with him. He had actually joined them and, after a promising start between the artist and her best friend, things had regressed back to the status quo. Merci stood rigid, seemingly listening to whatever Jasper was chastising her about. Maybe he was fuming over the chandeliers being two dollars above his taste. She could never tell.

On the opposite side, Vincent stood, flanked by a group of socialites. He gripped a glass of scotch, while Tatianna Sparks adorned his arm. Leaning against Vince's side, the woman whispered heaven-knows-what into his ear. Vince softly laughed, and Anastasia's muscles tensed. Meanwhile, Cameron was nowhere to be found. They had been inseparable at the start of the evening, but he had mysteriously disappeared after Tatianna's arrival.