Chapter 10 The Unveiling
Arielle's POV
“I'll be back before you know it.” Zane had confidently told me when he announced he'd be leaving for an urgent business trip that came up last minute.
It didn't bother me at first because he was always there when I needed him, even at the amusement park, he ensured I had fun and created new memories of mine, I was the center of attraction.
We went shopping, saw a movie that I've always wanted to watch but Adrian didn't let me because he thought it was stupid, i went ice skating which I never did before because, again, Adrian said it was childish and that Lisa will catch a cold, not that she needed to be there with us.
“Did you abandon me here because you think I'll fail?” I accused Zane immediately he picked my call after I had called him at least a hundred times.
Irritated easily because I was on my period, I stuffed a chocolate ball in my mouth and leaned back into the chair I was sitting on. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the card he had sent laying lazily on the bed. He sure knew how to make an angry woman less angrier.
“I was in a meeting and didn't know my phone was ringing, what's up pretty?” He intoned lightly.
I scoffed. “You shoul be here by now, tomorrow is the event! Are you trying to set me up for failure? We both know I can't do this on my own.” I creaked.
He guffawed in a funny way. “You can do it Arielle, I believe in you. You don't need anyone around to tell you that. It seems more like you miss me, just say the word and I'll be over right away.”
I pursed my lips, was he trying to emotionally manipulate me or something? Adrian would cut off communication with me for weeks until I apologized to him. One time, I yelled at Lisa for ruining my dress and he sided with her, calling me intolerant and aggressive.
Zane was definitely nothing like Adrian, the time we spent together before he left for his business trip was a colorful one for me, he treated me with so much care and kindness that moved me to tears.
“Just hurry and get back here.”
“How did the fitting go? Leo told me you looked stunning and Circe also testified that you have perfect the skills you need.” He commented, praising me but I didn't let myself get carried away.
“Stop patronizing me.”
He rumbled with amusement and laughed at me. “I've got to go fiery tigress, I'll be back before you know it.” Zane promised before he hung up.
Status update, he lied.
The next day, which is the day of the event, Zane was still nowhere to be found, worse, he was unreachable. I panicked, loudly.
“Where the hell is Zane?” I asked Leo as he walked into my room.
“I have no idea.”
“You've got to be kidding me.”
“There's no need to get upset or worried about anything, I'm sure he'll be here before you know it. Stop frowning and pacing around worriedly, it'll only make you unnerved.”
I threw Leo a dirty look and he shut his mouth.
“How could he not be here yet?”
“He'll be here, the ceremony won't begin in his absence, we should focus on you now, you'll have to get dressed, your hair and makeup and all that glamor that your presence must scream of, it'll take hours.”
Leo was right and I hated that he was right so I calmed down a bit, had breakfast and the entire get-me-ready thing started and true to his words, it took long painful hours since it needed to be perfect.
I stared at my phone, waiting for a call to buzz in but nothing came. An hour to the red carpet event and no one has heard from Zane. Leo walked in, dressed in a luxurious tuxedo, from the look on his face, I knew something was terribly wrong, the was a bitter feeling in my stomach and I suddenly felt unprepared and ugly.
“He's not coming, is he?” I asked, quietly.
Leo fell silent and I exhaled slowly. I bit down my lower lip and played with the diamond bracelet that danced on my wrist, anxiety gripped me and I felt nauseous.
“We need to leave now, we have to walk the red carpet, boss's order.”
I scoffed. “Of course.”
He led the way and with every step I took, there was a loud scream in my head, I fought the urge to cave in and just run away, to a dark corner, curl up in a ball and scream. He knew I would be uncomfortable stepping back into a world that had once mourned my death.
I was lost in my thoughts and didn't realize that we were now outside the mansion and Leo had paused, so I bumped into him.
“What in God's nam-”
My words trailed off as he ushered me into an SUV, I got in and the driver began the journey. Five minutes later, we took an unfamiliar route and I knew this because Zane had drove me towards this path before and showed me where the event would take place.
“What are you doing?” I questioned the driver.
“Following orders.” He replied, briefly.
I panicked, was I being kidnapped? Leo rode in the car that was right behind us but all I saw now was just darkness and a really lonely street.
“Stop this car this instant!” I barked at the driver but he accelerated the brakes and increased the speed. My heart raced against my chest, afraid of what my fate would be, I was about to burst into tears when the car came to a halt.
The driver alighted and yanked the car door open.
“Please step outside Ma'am.” He requested, politely.
Shakily, I alighted from the car and saw that a luxurious limousine was parked right in front of us, another man stood right there, motioning for me to get in. Every step I took, I calculated what risk awaits me.
My thoughts ran wild, who was behind all of this? Have Adrian somehow found out I'm alive and set out to finish me off?
The car door was open and I knew I was to get inside. I gulped in nervously and got in, shutting my eyes from the horror awaiting me.
“Hello Sweetie.” A familiar rich baritone voice da greeted.
My shut eyes instantly flew open and I turned to see Zane seated right beside me, a smug grin on his face.
“Zane!” I exhaled.
He smiled widely, as if satisfied by all of this.
“You look happy to see me.” He teased me.
I was relieved to see him and I can't deny it but the suspense that he put me through, I wasn't willing to forgive so I threw him a weak punch.
“What was that for?” He winced.
“How could you be so dramatic? Do you know how worried I was?” I hissed.
He laughed softly, showcasing his perfectly aligned and sparkling white set of teeth. “It's a surprise for you.”
“You're lucky I'm already dressed, I'd have punched the living daylights out of you.” I threatened and he laughed.
.he ordered the driver to drive and I leaned back, heaving a low sigh of relief, I was glad to see him.
“I'll apologize properly when we get back home but for now, let's get this night done.” Zane informed me.
…………………………………… ………………….. ..
The event was colorful and I met a lot of top models and influential people but most importantly, Zane didn't leave me all by myself, he was there every step of the way and would end a conversation if it was getting uncomfortable for me hence the first part of the night was bearable for me.
Then the important and main course began, Zane took me backstage to prepare.
“Listen to me closely, tonight is the first step you'll take towards the rest of your life, your words, actions and decisions will determine how things will turn out so don't be scared, tonight, you have the power, use it, let them feel the heat.” Zane advised, his tone changing from lively and funny to a serious and dark one.
“I'm not sure if I can do this.” I confessed, feeling insecure.
“I am, I know you can give them hell, even if you're scared, don't show it. Be the reason they're going to be awake all night, scared out of their wits, this is where I take a step back and let you take control. You'll run into them soon, don't let your emotions get the best of you.”
“Can't you stay with me?” I asked, my eyes pleading.
“I'll be rooting for you from the sidelines. You trained for this and prepared for three weeks, I wouldn't dare to steal your thunder or share the spotlight with you.” He joked.
I inhaled sharply, mentally prepared for what is to come. He leaned in, whispering in my ears.
“I had your stage name changed, don't be surprised, its really beautiful, I promise.”
“What are you-”
“And now ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together, hold on tight and be ready to be amazed because this model is the next big shot in the country, she'll give you a run for your money or shall I say career?” The announcer announced, piquing everyone's interest. “I invite to the runway, an A-list model, Miss Rielle!”
“Thats your cue.” Zane announced and I was shocked.
“What?” I blurted.
He winked at me and joined everyone else to clap. “I believe in you.”
I closed my eyes and inhaled sharply, since we were backstage, I needed to walk to the runway itself. I didn’t know how it would feel, getting back to a world I once knew but the first step was tricky just like Circe had told me, but the next one was better.
My frustration, anger and passion all fueled my desire and I walked the runway, head held high, swaying my hips cockily and letting my skills do the rest. I could hear gasps from the crowd, it wasn't of disappointment but excitement and disbelief and it made me feel more confident.
I showed off my dress and paused to give them a good view, my eyes fell on Lisa, Adrian and Mom among the crowd and the look on their faces was priceless, panic, fear and disbelief danced on their faces like a ballerina performing in an opera.
“Welcome to hell, family.” I muttered under my breath, quietly so no one would hear me.
I wasn't done yet, I struck a few poses and saw Zane too, he was quietly clapping for me and the proud look on his face left a tug at my heart.
‘You can do it.’ He mouthed.
The stage lights went off and I knew it was time. I had practiced this almost a hundred times. Though the dress I wore is one of a kind but that wasn't the main dress. I had asked the designers to make me a burn-away dress.
There was a spotlight on me and I acted as if I was shocked to see it too. I took three steps forward and lit a matchstick which was cleverly tucked away in my dress.
The people gasped, seeing the little flame and I dropped it on myself, my dress to be precise. It caught on fire and began to burn away. I could feel their tension and shock seeing this but the dress gave way to a masterpiece, a beautiful gown with layers pleated with
The crowd erupted into a thunderous round of clapping and I could tell they were stupefied and dazzled by my transformation. I flexed the dress and couldn't stop smiling.
I walked away, going backstage and trails of cheering followed me. I let out a shaky breath. Savoring the look on Lisa's face seeing this stunt of mine. It had always been her dream to get a dress like this one since we both watched Cruella and it was almost impossible to get a designer who would do it for her, I remember Adrian staying up many nights, searching for ways to make it happen but failed, I thought he was simply caring but those were signs love blinded me from noticing.
Now I'm living her dream life just as she took my own life for her petty dreams, the difference is that I have a man who would buy the entire world and topple countries just to prove a point to me.
Zane walked up to me and I couldn't stop smiling.
“You did well.” He commented, trying to hide his beaming smiling face.
“I know.” I bragged, flipping my hair.
He chuckled and his expression suddenly changed. “The games begin now, play your cards well, remember, to set someone on fire, you need to make them trust you with a matchstick in your hand.”
He walked away right after sharing his confusing proverb and I soon realized what he meant as I saw Lisa, Adrian and Mom approaching. My heart skipped a beat.
“Hello Arielle.” Adrian greeted.