Self-Seeker

1

Sunday

Genesis woke up completely refreshed, almost in a state of euphoria. The everyday things which formerly seemed mundane, appeared heightened. She waltzed into the living room, content from the green tea she'd been sipping, where one of the few things she treasured in life lay curled peacefully on the sofa.

After a routine stroking, Genesis left her pet to sleep. In her chambers, the first thing that caught her eye was the extravagant gown zipped against a mannequin - suited for only the most lavish of people. Moreover, it was an exact replica of her person of interest's dress - although, the bodice had been custom-made to make it more 'her'. There was an air of intimidation radiating from it in all its defiant glory. It had no effect on Genesis, but would certainly intrigue the most prestigious eyes in Manhattan.

A satisfied smile settled upon her lips, the feeling of utter bliss would only grow as the day proceeded.

She slipped off her silks, similarly shedding them onto the floor as she witnessed the target of her observation do. However, she swept them up and folded them, finding unnecessary clutter truly irksome.

Genesis entered the bathroom to allow the suds of soap and beads of water to pattern her skin. The intense heat numbed any pained thoughts that came as often as she permitted herself to daydream.

Stepping out of the shower, Genesis wrapped her abdomen in a fluffy, white towel and wiped the condensed mirror above the basin. It was a rare sight - the person staring back at her. Bare-faced, natural hair and a scatter of fresh bruises nowhere to be seen. She looked raw. She was quite near beautiful.

Her moment of esteemed self-worth was short-lived when the chime of the doorbell echoed throughout the apartment. Deana had arrived. Deana was a hair and makeup expert, whenever Genesis needed her she was by her side, no questions. That quality made her an excellent business partner.

Upon opening the door, Deana was found tapping her foot, her case of supplies resting upright beside her. Deana's face evidently brightened, after all it was the first she had seen of Genesis in quite a while.

"Do come in." Genesis welcomed her friend, stepping aside as she entered, then closing and locking the door behind her. Deana turned to face her and took in her appearance.

"Genesis. It's been way too long." She all but whispered, her eyes had watered slightly.

"Don't be so melodramatic Dee, it was only a few months ago that we last met. Now why don't you follow me to my room, so you can help me get into this complexity of a dress?" Genesis swiftly cut to the chase. Deana didn't reply but followed suit regardless.

When they had finally managed to get Genesis into the gown, she found the top half fit like a glove. All the measurements she had taken were accurate and there was still enough leg room for her to move freely without the skirt restricting her. As well as space to strap her gun - it never hurt to be cautious, she thought. The intricate designs hand-sewn into the abdomen were a feature that Genesis' target's dress was lacking, she simply couldn't resist adding a personal touch to the gown.

Deana then got to work on Genesis's hair and face, placing her long black hair in loose curls and creating a bold, dramatic look with her eyes. She tended to always focus more on Genesis' eye makeup than anything else, ensuring the emerald colour contrasted against the melanin in her skin. Genesis no longer had the appearance of the ordinary twenty-six-year-old she saw in the bathroom mirror earlier that morning. She had transformed into a complete other person. Sexy, daring and most importantly someone to be feared.

***

Genesis' driver – Hann - offered her his hand, allowing her to step out of the limo with grace in front of the crowd of photographers and news reporters gathered outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Where, by now, her person of interest had just said 'I do'. Becoming the wife of one of the most eligible bachelors in New York City came with a lot of publicity, not that Genesis was all that surprised. All her target's previous lovers had a record of excessive spending – and more so on their significant other.

Hann received genuine thanks as Genesis ascended the steps leading to the front doors of the hotel. She was concealed from the press' inquiries by the veil masking who she really was. The persistent flashes of cameras and questions from reporters were merely background noise as she focused on the task ahead.

Entering the hotel, she made her way to the reception by recollection of the blueprints she had acquired of the building. The moment she had been preparing for lay just beyond those gold-encrusted doors.

Releasing a deep breath, a cunning smile danced across her lips and Genesis handed one of the two doormen the invitation she had an associate duplicate. After validating her identity, they each took hold of a handle and pulled the doors open. The doormen revealed a grand room full of people who - one by one - turned to admire the woman in the black gown.

Genesis stalked her way down the middle of the room, taking in the white and gold interior, all the while the guests of the bride and groom took her in. She could sense their penetrating stares and murmured inquisitions as they wondered who the mystery person dressed for a funeral was that had crashed their elite party.

As she descended the room further, more guests noticed the increasing whispers and correspondingly became curious to know the cause. It was only when Genesis had reached the end of the room, where the newlyweds had been talking amongst their friends, did they realize there was an uninvited guest.

Her husband turned first. He was handsome, freshly shaven and exhibited a lavish taste in cologne. His shoes were polished, and tuxedo dry-cleaned. In this world, appearance was everything - that much was evident. When their eyes met, a look of confusion swept across his face, though his lips still stretched into a smile. She was a guest at the end of the day (invited or otherwise), not to mention the press were recording every move he made.

Afterward, painfully slowly, Genesis' person of interest followed his movements, with a facial expression presenting a hint of puzzlement. The women mirrored each other in opposite coloured gowns, and Genesis lifted the veil from her face to reveal herself to the couple.

That previous look of puzzlement had morphed into realization; then anger. She suppressed this look, however, at the risk of being an impolite host in front of her peers. Instead choosing to offer Genesis a bitter, faux smile.

"Genesis?" She acknowledged, frustration lacing her tone. "Whatever are you doing here?" She questioned further. The corners of Genesis's lips tugged upwards as she had received the exact reaction that was anticipated.

"Nice to see you too, sis."