Michaella, a gifted writer, finds herself haunted by the memories of a love that slipped through her fingers. As she pens down her heartache and cherished moments with Gabrielle, an architect whose charm and warmth once made her world brighter, she...
Michaella's phone buzzed, and she saw Marian's name flash on the screen.
"Where are you?" Marian's voice came through with a mix of urgency and excitement.
"At home, why?" Michaella asked, glancing at the clock.
"We're ten minutes away from your house—get dressed! We're going shopping for tonight's outfits!"
Michaella laughed, "You and who else?"
Suddenly, she heard Mia yell in the background, "Heeeey, it's meee! Get ready fast! And we're having lunch together too!"
The excitement was contagious, and Michaella felt herself smile wider. Just then, Dortha, her housekeeper, came downstairs, a folded basket of linens in her arms.
"Dortha, I'm heading out with Marian and Mia," Michaella said. "If you're finished with the laundry, feel free to leave early. It's New Year's Eve, after all!"
"Happy New Year to you too!" Michaella leaned in, giving Dortha a warm hug.
Before letting go, Dortha held her hands and said, "Mr. Knight is really nice...and handsome. Don't let him go, dear."
Michaella chuckled, feeling her cheeks warm up a bit. "We'll see, Dortha. Thanks for the advice."
She hurried up the stairs to get dressed, her mind racing over possible outfit combinations. Tonight was special. After a quick scan through her wardrobe, she decided on something bold but timeless—a tiger-print satin skirt that flowed elegantly, paired with a sleek black top and a matching blazer to keep warm. A pair of small black heels. She took one last look in the mirror, adjusting the blazer's collar before slipping on her olive-green Chanel bag, balancing everything in perfect contrast.
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As she stepped out of her room, her phone pinged with a message from Mia: "We're here!" With a final check in the mirror, Michaella took a breath, ready for a day of fun. She headed down the stairs and out the door to see Marian's car parked out front.
Mia rolled down her window, grinning. "Well, someone's looking good!"
"Thanks! So do you guys," Michaella replied, climbing into the backseat.
Marian caught her gaze in the rearview mirror. "You look...different today. Like you're glowing."
Michaella blinked, caught off guard. "What? How?"
"I don't know, there's just something. We'll talk about it over lunch," Marian said with a mischievous smile.
They arrived at the mall and hit the designer stores with gusto, laughter and excitement filling the air. Marian and Mia found their dresses, and as they wandered into YSL, a particular dress on the mannequin caught Michaella's eye: a black, midi, strapless dress with a plunging neckline. The design was simple yet impossibly elegant.
