American Dynasty

T H R E E

Stella's party outfit above ^^^

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Stella stared at herself in the mirror, examining her maid, Tilly's work. Her brown eyes were framed by dark lashes and light makeup. Her hair was put up in an elegant up-do complimented by a diamond encrusted headband that sparkled beneath the light of the chandelier hanging above.

"You look stunning, Signorina," Tilly said in awe, her lingering English accent coating the Italian word. Tilly disappeared into Stella's immense closet, only to reappear a minute later holding the dress that she would be wearing to Luciana Costanzo's party. Stella was grateful that the dress wasn't too restricting; it was light and airy.

Ducking behind a floral print dressing screen that her father had bought for her in China, she slipped into the silky dress, shivering at the delightful feeling of the cold, smooth satin on her skin. She stepped out from behind the screen and Tilly's eyes widened. "My word...Signorina, you look like a goddess."

Even though she knew that Tilly couldn't tell her she didn't look good, Stella still blushed. "Stella?" Marcella's voice called for her daughter as she knocked lightly on her door.

"Come in," Stella said loudly, twirling around a bit in front of her mirror. Marcella glided in, the hem of her red dress trailing on the floor.

"You look gorgeous, cara mia!" She exclaimed, her normally judgemental eyes filling up with tears as she took in the sight of her beautiful daughter. "Like a beautiful rose in the spring. You are sure to catch Dante's attention tonight."

Stella's smile faltered a little and she bit back a sarcastic comment. It was a rarity for her mother to be in such a good mood and she didn't want to spoil that. "Come now, your father and brother are waiting for us downstairs." Marcella hurried her daughter out of her room, barely giving Stella any time to grab her purse and rabbit fur shawl. Tilly swiftly wished her luck before disappearing down the hall to the servant's chambers.

As Stella walked down the stairs her father, Beppe, beamed proudly. His children meant the world to him; more than any riches he could ever acquire. Stella's older brother Matteo smirked as she came to stand beside him. "I had better stay by your side all night, little star; all the bachelors of New York will be looking to slide a handcuff on your finger tonight."

Stella snorted and tucked a stray curl of hair behind her ear. "Wouldn't mother just love that," she said quietly.

Matteo smiled crookedly before offering her his arm. "Shall we?" Stella smiled widely as she took Matteo's arm and let him lead her out to where the car was waiting. Beppe was a lover of cars but his favourite was his Chrysler Model B-70 that he had only just recently purchased. It was a luxury to have a car, and Beppe was never one to deny a luxury barred to the common man.

As the car drove through the heavily populated streets of New York, Stella stared out the window, admiring all the flashing lights. The road was clogged with expensive cars carrying rich people, no doubt guests of Luciana's party. When the Biancardi car finally pulled up to the sprawling Costanzo estate, the party was already in full swing.

Fancily dressed ladies clutched onto the arms of their tuxedo-donning husbands, careful not to let their dresses drag on the ground. Young debutantes hurried up the stone steps of the house, looking around excitedly at all the splendour and smiling giddily at the idea of finding a handsome young man to dance the night away with.

Stella tilted her head up as she slowly and elegantly made her way towards the door, holding Matteo's arm as she climbed the steps. Stella couldn't help but notice the stares Matteo got from girls, like they were about to pounce on him.