Volkov

Chapter 8

Friday had finally arrived, and the weight of it all settled over me as I woke up. I'd taken the day off from work, knowing I needed a break, but also because tonight was important. Maksim's gala was fast approaching, and I was nowhere near ready for it. At least, that's how it felt when I first opened my eyes and realized how much had to be done.

I stretched, groaning as I reached for my phone. The screen flashed with messages from Rahima, my sister, who had already started the planning process without even waiting for me.

"Rae, we're doing this. You're going to look stunning. Let's go!" she texted, with a few heart-eye emojis for emphasis.

I sighed and slid out of bed, trying to shake the nervous energy that had already started to creep into my bones. Taking a deep breath, I told myself I could handle this. Maksim had asked me to the gala not just as his assistant, but as a guest—his guest. And while I wanted to be excited about the opportunity, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation. This wasn't just a business event. It felt like so much more.

When I finally dragged myself out of my comfy bed, I pulled on a pair of leggings, an oversized hoodie, and started making coffee, thinking I could settle into my quiet morning before the madness of getting ready for the evening. But Rahima had other plans.

"Alright, Rae, it's time to get to work!" Her voice rang out from the hallway as she breezed into my apartment, already grinning ear to ear. "I can't believe you're really doing this. Tonight's going to be incredible. We've got a lot to do."

I looked at her, still half-dazed from sleep. "Are you seriously already in 'makeover mode'?" I raised an eyebrow as I glanced at her, watching her pull at the straps of a dress that was already laid out on my bed.

"Of course I am. Sade and Cynthia will be here soon, and we're not wasting any time." She grabbed my hand, practically dragging me to my feet. "Come on, we have work to do."

I didn't have the heart to argue. It was Rahima, after all, and when she was on a mission, there was no stopping her.

The apartment quickly became a flurry of activity. Rahima was the ringleader, sending me into the bathroom to shower while she set up everything for my hair and makeup. Her energy was contagious, and as I stood in the shower, I realized just how much I needed this. I hadn't felt this excited about an event in a while, even though I was still uncertain about what exactly Maksim expected from me.

By the time I stepped out, Rahima was already working on my hair.

"You're going to look absolutely flawless tonight," she promised, a mischievous smile on her face. "I have a feeling Maksim's going to have a hard time keeping his eyes off you."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Maksim isn't going to notice me like that. He's... my boss, Rahima."

She smirked, clearly not buying it. "Sure, sure. But let's get you looking like someone who owns the night, not like a stressed-out assistant."

I watched in the mirror as she worked her magic. Rahima had always been the one to help me with my hair—whether it was for a big interview, a casual outing, or a night like tonight. She was a pro with the flat iron, and in no time, my natural curls were transformed into a sleek bob.

When I glanced at myself in the mirror, I hardly recognized the woman looking back. The bob framed my face perfectly, the silk press giving my hair an elegant sheen. I couldn't help but admire the way the straightened hair made me look—polished, sophisticated.

"Wow," I whispered, running my fingers through my hair. "I haven't had it like this in years."

Rahima grinned, pleased with her work. "I knew you'd look amazing. Now let's move on to the dress."

I turned to see the dress hanging on the back of the door. My breath caught in my throat as I took it in. It was a black evening gown—backless, with two delicate strings holding the dress up just above my waist. The fabric was soft and hugged my curves in all the right places. A slit ran up one side, making the dress the perfect balance of class and allure.

"That's... the one?" I asked, my voice a little shaky as I ran my fingers over the fabric.

"Of course it's the one," Rahima replied. "You're going to look like a queen, Rae."

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This wasn't just any dress—it was the dress. The one that would make a statement, no matter who I was standing next to. I'd never been one to shy away from attention, but there was something about tonight that made my heart race with anticipation.

"Alright, let's do this," I said, stepping into the dress, feeling it settle over my body like a second skin. The fabric was soft, luxurious, and fit me like it had been made just for me. I could already imagine the way I'd move through the crowd, feeling the eyes of everyone in the room on me.

When I zipped it up, the mirror reflected back a version of me I wasn't sure I recognized. Confident. Strong. Ready.

Just as I adjusted the dress, the doorbell rang, and Rahima rushed to answer it. A few moments later, Sade and Cynthia burst into the room, looking every bit as stunning as I knew they would.

Cynthia, as always, looked like she'd just stepped out of a magazine. Her skin glowed under the soft light of the apartment, and her black jumpsuit clung to her figure in the most flattering way. Sade, on the other hand, was effortlessly chic in a red dress that made her look like she'd just walked off a runway. Both of them immediately started inspecting my look, and I could see their pride in their eyes as they took me in.

"Are you ready to make an entrance?" Sade asked, her voice filled with playful challenge as she looked me over.

"You look incredible," Cynthia added, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. "I can't believe this is our Rae, all glammed up."

"Thank you," I said, feeling the nerves that had been there earlier ease away with each compliment. "I feel... I don't know—different. Like someone who can take on the world."

Rahima beamed at me from across the room, then walked over to hand me a delicate bottle of perfume. "There you go, queen," she said. "Spray this on, and you'll be unstoppable."

I laughed and took the bottle, spraying a bit of perfume on my wrist and neck. "Thank you all. You really know how to make a girl feel special."

"That's the goal, Rae," Cynthia said, taking a seat on the couch as Sade slid her shoes on. "Tonight isn't just about Maksim, though. It's about you. This is your night. Own it."

"Exactly," Rahima chimed in. "Maksim might be the one who invited you, but tonight, you're the star. Don't let anyone forget that."

I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude for my sister and friends. They weren't just here to help me get ready; they were here to remind me who I was—who I could be.

Once the final touches were done, I stood up, adjusting the dress once more. It felt like it belonged to someone else, someone powerful. Someone who could walk into a room and command attention with every step. Tonight, I was going to be that person.

"So, Rae," Rahima asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "How are you feeling? You nervous?"

I gave her a smile, feeling the weight of the night lifting off my shoulders. "I'm ready," I said, my voice steady. "Let's do this."

Tonight was my night.