The Selection

★─── ⋆⋅ ★CHAPTER-3★ ⋅⋆ ───★

Isabel's P.O.V

After finishing my food, I thanked Prince Damin and hurried out, my heart pounding in my chest. It was almost midnight, and the cool air outside felt refreshing against my flushed cheeks. I clutched my purse tightly, feeling the weight of the delicate ring inside. I couldn't believe it-Prince Damin had invited me to the Selection. It felt surreal, like a dream I didn't want to wake up from.

The streets were eerily quiet as I made my way home, tiptoeing inside to avoid waking my mother. Just as I thought I'd made it safely, my elbow brushed against a glass on the counter, sending it crashing to the floor.

"Shit!" I cursed under my breath, freezing in place.

Almost instantly, I heard the sound of footsteps rushing down the stairs. My mother appeared in her nightgown, her hair slightly disheveled, her face a mixture of relief and anger.

"My God, Isa, where were you? I was so scared, I-"

"I was with Prince Damin," I blurted out, cutting her off.

"PRINCE DAMIN?!" she shrieked, her voice echoing in the silence of the house.

"Calm down, Mother," I said, fumbling to pull the small box out of my bag. "He invited me to the Selection."

Her hands trembled as she took the box from me, her eyes wide with disbelief. She carefully opened it and lifted the ring, holding it up to the light as if checking its authenticity.

"Are you sure you're not pranking me?" she asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

"No-o, of course not!" I replied quickly, shaking my head.

"Well," she said, taking a deep breath, "you should pack your bags and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a very big day for you."

"Yes, Mother," I said softly, feeling a smile tug at my lips as I headed up to my room.

★─── ⋆⋅ ★★─── ⋆⋅ ★

The next morning, I woke up early, the excitement buzzing through me like electricity. I hopped out of bed, took a quick shower, and slipped into one of my most beautiful dresses-a knee-length white gown with delicate floral embroidery. It was simple yet elegant, and one of my most treasured possessions. My mother had given it to me on my 20th birthday.

I applied some light makeup, brushed my hair until it shone, and finally placed the ring Prince Davin had given me onto my finger. It sparkled in the sunlight streaming through my window, a constant reminder that this was no dream.

When I went downstairs, the smell of freshly baked goods greeted me. My mother was in the kitchen, bustling around as usual, but when she turned and saw me, her jaw dropped.

"Isa, you look absolutely stunning. My goodness!" she exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron.

"It's nothing," I said shyly, feeling my cheeks flush.

"Sit down, sweetheart. I have something for you," she said, disappearing into her room.

When she returned, she was holding two small boxes. She opened the first one to reveal a gorgeous white necklace with matching earrings. The intricate design complemented my dress perfectly.

"This belonged to your grandmother," she said softly, fastening the necklace around my neck. "It's perfect for today."

Tears pricked my eyes as I hugged her. "Thank you, Mom. It's beautiful."

"Isa, do you have your comb? What about your shoes? Oh, and don't forget the small mirror!" she said, her voice both panicked and proud.

"Mom, I have everything. I triple-checked," I assured her, holding up my bag for emphasis.

My mother paused and took a deep breath, wiping away a tear as she smiled. "You're going to shine out there, Isa. I just know it."

I hugged her tightly, feeling her warmth and love. "Thank you, Mom. I'll make you proud, I promise."

She sniffled dramatically. "You already have, sweetheart. Now go-before I start crying all over your dress!"

Before I could respond, the low rumble of an engine broke through the morning calm. My mother and I turned toward the sound, and my jaw nearly dropped.

A sleek black limousine had pulled up in front of our modest house. The glossy surface gleamed under the sunlight, and its tinted windows hinted at the luxury inside. My heart raced as a chauffeur stepped out, dressed impeccably in a black suit and cap.

"Miss Isabel?" he asked politely, tipping his hat.

"Yes, that's me," I managed to say, my voice trembling with a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Well," my mother said, trying to hold back her tears as she hugged me tightly. "This is it. Go show them the incredible woman you are."

"Thank you, Mom. For everything," I said, giving her one last squeeze before picking up my bag.

As the chauffeur opened the door, I took a deep breath and stepped inside the limousine. The plush leather seats and luxurious interior felt surreal, like something out of a dream. I sank into the seat, glancing out the window to see my mother standing in the doorway, waving with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Make us proud, Isa!" she called out.

The car pulled away, and I couldn't help but smile, my excitement bubbling over. This wasn't just a new chapter-it felt like the beginning of a fairy tale.