Fate of deception

Chapter 31 - Umaizah's POV

A dull, throbbing pain pulsed at the back of my skull as I stirred awake. The faint, early-morning light filtered through the curtains, soft but enough to make me squint. A headache. Of course. I grimaced slightly and pressed my palms to my temples, hoping to ease the discomfort.

My attention was drawn to a soft rustling sound, and through bleary eyes, I saw Layna seated at the edge of the bed. Layna's back was turned toward me, and she seemed to be sorting through a collection of dresses, laying out pieces of clothing with the kind of precision that only Layna could manage.

"You're up," Layna's voice was gentle, but it startled me out of my lingering fog.

I blinked, trying to shake off the heaviness in my head. "Yeah... barely."

Layna turned and offered me a small smile. "I was about to wake you. Amir's expecting us soon."

"Expecting us?" I asked, a little disoriented. The details of the dream I had been having evaporated quickly, vanishing before I could even make sense of them. I couldn't even remember what it had been about. Not that it mattered, I told myself. Just a dream.

"Yes," Layna said, folding a silken scarf neatly on the bed. "We're going to some event today. With Amir."

My face slightly showed a frowned, but not out of suspicion. More from a lack of energy. An event? Layna wasn't being specific, but I couldn't bring myself to question it. I didn't care about the details right now. I just wanted to do something—anything—to feel like my day had purpose.

"Sounds good," I mumbled, already pushing the covers aside.

Layna reached for something at the foot of the bed and handed it to me—a gown, draped over her arms like a gift. "Here. I thought this would help you today."

My breath caught slightly as I took the gown from Layna's hands. It was beautiful. A deep crimson red that shimmered under the soft light of the room, the fabric smooth and fluid like liquid fire. The bodice was intricately embroidered with fine gold threads, delicate vines twisting in and out of patterns that made the fabric seem alive. The gown was fitted at the waist, cinching in just enough to highlight my figure before flowing into a soft cascade of fabric that would brush against the floor as I walked. The sleeves were long but sheer, adding a touch of softness to the boldness of the design.

As I ran my fingers over the fabric, I couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship. The dress was a work of art—sensual yet refined, commanding attention without screaming for it. It wasn't something I would have chosen for myself, but now that it was in my hands, I felt a strange kind of excitement flutter in my chest.

I  wanted to wear it. I wanted to feel the silk against my skin, to be enveloped in powerful red. It wasn't just a gown—it was a statement.

"Thank you," I said softly, glancing up at Layna.

Layna nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "It suits you."

Once dressed, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The gown fit perfectly, the deep red color contrasting beautifully with my skin. It felt heavier than it looked, but in a way that grounded me, that made me feel present and real. The headache had dulled, almost forgotten in the face of the transformation. I felt stronger, more assured—like someone important, someone worth noticing.

I paired my red gown with a final touch, a mask Amir and I had bought from Dreamscape costumes & creations. It was a vibrant red mask, adorned with intricate gold filigree designs and sparkling, singular rhinestones as an outline for the mask. It enhanced my overall look.

Satisfied with the way the gown draped around myself, I stepped out of the room. Layna was already waiting for me, dressed in a gown of her own. It was similar in style to mine but in black—a deep, inky black that seemed to absorb the light around it. The bodice was less embroidered, but instead, it was adorned with small, shimmering stones that sparkled like distant stars whenever she moved. Layna looked elegant and poised. The perfect contrast to my fiery red.

She too, wore a mask. It had a more chic look, it was sleek with intricate silver patterns. Perhaps a more Venetian style design. The mask featured a subtle shimmer, adding a touch of glamour to Layna's appearance.

"You look..." I began, searching for the right word.

"Appropriate?" Layna finished my compliment for me, an amused smile on her lips.

I returned the smile. "Perfect."

Without another word, we headed outside together. The moment I stepped into the garden, I spotted Amir standing near the fountain, his back to us. The garden was calm, the morning dew still clinging to the grass, making the world feel fresh and untouched.

Amir turned at the sound of our footsteps, his expression brightening when he saw us. He didn't look strange anymore—none of that lingering darkness or hesitation that had marked his behavior lately.

No, today he looked like his previous self, confident and collected, with that easy charm that always seemed to hover around him.

"Good morning," Amir greeted, his eyes flicking over us both. "You two look stunning."

Amir was wearing a sleek, black tuxedo. It was a classic and timeless choice for men to wear a tuxedo to a masquerade ball. He paired his outfit with a stylish black mask and an elegant, gold rose in his chest pocket. He looked sophisticated and mysterious.

"Good morning," Layna and I responded almost in unison, the rhythm of the moment familiar and comfortable.

Amir gestured toward a carriage waiting just beyond the garden gate. "Shall we?" His eyes locked into mine. Offering his arm to both Layna and I.

The carriage was elegant, with polished wooden panels and dark, velvet cushions inside. I felt a flutter of anticipation as I climbed in, Layna settling beside Amir and I followed close behind. Whatever this event was, it didn't matter. For the first time in days, I had felt like things were falling back into place. A sense of normalcy, however fragile, had returned.

And for now, that was enough.