Chapter 61 61
FREYA POV
I quickly smoothed down my messy hair and walked toward the bedroom door. I opened it and saw Nana standing there at the entrance, but my eyes immediately darted to the two women standing behind her.
"Good morning, Nana," I said, but my voice trailed off as I took them in.
I didn’t know who they were, but the way they were dressed was… something else. They were wearing tiny, micro-mini skirts that showed off every inch of their thighs. My heart did a strange, uncomfortable flip in my chest, and I just wanted to ask them why on earth they would dress that way.
"Why are—" I started, but I stopped myself just in time.
I couldn’t believe I almost let it slip. I wanted to demand why they would dress like that in a married man’s house. Then, I froze. Seriously? A married man? I thought to myself. Steve and I weren't exactly a normal couple, but the thought of other women dressing like that around him made my blood boil.
Is this what it feels like to be jealous? If this is how it feels, I hated the feeling.
"Freya?" Nana called out, snapping her fingers to get my attention.
I blinked, forcing the scowl off my face. I needed to act normal. I forced a fake smile and pointed at the large vanity cases they were carrying.
"Why are they here? I mean, it’s early morning," I said, trying to sound like I was just surprised by the time and not by their outfits.
Nana chuckled, clearly seeing right through me. "Early for you, maybe. But the 'Boss' doesn't like to wait. These are the best stylists in the city, honey. They’re here to turn you into a vision for tonight’s party."
"Good morning, ma," they both greeted in unison.
"We have a lot of work to do," one of the women said, her voice high and chirpy. She stepped a bit closer, her skirt riding up even further. "Mr. Hayes was very specific about the look he wants for you. He said 'breathtaking but untouchable.'"
I felt a small prick of satisfaction hearing that Steve had used the word "untouchable." At least he knew where the boundaries were.
"And we aren't just doing hair and makeup. We are creating a masterpiece," the second one added. "We start with the spa treatment, then the skin prep."
"Well," I said, taking a breath and trying to ignore the way they looked. "I suppose we should get started then, but can you give me a few minutes?"
Nana nodded and led them toward the guest lounge across the hall to set up. I stepped back into my room and shut the door, letting out a long, shaky breath. I leaned against the wood, my heart still racing. I couldn't believe I almost messed up and showed how bothered I was by two stylists.
I headed into the bathroom for a quick shower. As I stood under the water, my mind was racing. When I got out, I went to my closet to find something to wear while they worked on me. Funny enough, I found myself digging past my usual comfy clothes, looking for a dress that would also give off a "hot" look.
"Am I competing with them now?" I whispered to my reflection, feeling a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.
Once I was dressed, I headed out to check on Luna first. Just as I stepped into the hallway, Diana’s door opened. She and Luna stepped out, and to my surprise, they were already tidy and dressed in matching outfits.
Luna squealed and ran toward me, wrapping her arms around my legs. I hugged her back but looked up at Diana, my eyebrows raised. "Where are you two up to?"
Diana looked at me with a soft, apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Freya. I should have told you earlier. I’m taking Luna to get her registered at her new school. It’s not the full registration yet—just the preliminary paperwork and a tour—but Steve wanted it handled today."
I nodded, rubbing Luna’s hair. I saw no reason for an apology; Diana was doing me a massive favor. "Thank you, Diana. I really appreciate it. But..." I paused, looking down at my daughter. "I would love to attend and go with her for the final registration. I want to be there for that."
"Of course," Diana promised. "Today is just the boring stuff."
I knelt down and pulled Luna into a final hug. "Be good to Aunty Diana, okay?"
"I will, Mommy!"
I kissed her forehead, and a laugh bubbled up in my chest. Her mouth smelled strongly of eggs. Someone had clearly devoured their breakfast
“Yes mommy”
“High five baby”
Once Diana and Luna disappeared down the hall, I took a deep breath and walked into the guest lounge. The two stylists had already transformed the room. Ring lights were set up, and the scent of expensive oils and perfumes filled the air.
"We are ready for you, ma," the chirpy one said, patting the high-backed chair.
They introduce themselves as Elena and Sophie
I sat down, still feeling a bit self-conscious in the "hot" dress I had picked out.
"We’ll start with the skin treatment," Elena said, pulling back my hair with a silk headband. "The makeup won’t happen until later this afternoon. We want the base to be flawless before we even touch a brush."
I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes as they applied a cooling gel to my face. With my eyes shut, my mind began to drift. The adrenaline of the morning was fading, leaving room for the questions I had been trying to ignore.
What is this party really for?
My mind flashed back to the conversation I had with Steve.
"Did Mark really stab Lila?" I had asked him, my voice trembling.
"What will you do to him?"
Steve had looked at me with that unreadable, dark expression. "I'm holding a party," was all he said.
Party for who exactly, Mark or Lila or Me
This party started to feel less like a celebration and more like a trap. It was scary, but somehow… I just trusted Steve to lead. At least he hadn't failed me before.
"Relax your jaw, ma," Sophie whispered. "You’re tensing up."
"Sorry," I breathed, trying to force the air into my lungs.
But the smell of the oils suddenly changed. The lavender and citrus that felt relaxing a moment ago now felt heavy and cloying. A sharp, acidic wave hit the back of my throat.
My eyes snapped open. "I—"
I didn't even finish the sentence. I shoved the silk cape off my lap and ran toward the bathroom.
I barely made it to the toilet before I doubled over. I sat on the cold floor, my body heaving as I vomited.
"Freya!" Nana’s voice came from the doorway, sharp with concern. "Elena, help her with water!!"
I wiped my mouth with a trembling hand, leaning my forehead against the cool porcelain of the tank. I felt weak, my skin clammy and pale.
"I'm okay," I croaked, though I didn't feel okay at all. "I think it’s just… nerves. The party.."
Nana knelt beside me, her hand resting firmly on my back. She didn't look at the stylists; she looked straight at me, her eyes narrowed and searching.
"Is it just nerves, honey?" she asked,
My heart skip