Chapter 18: You Look Pretty
" Evening Ball... " Lucia wondered
' ... Isn't that like the kind of events where people of high repute and wealth gather together for some kind of classical dance and sip champagne? ' Lucia thought to herself as she got closer to her desk.
" Why does he want me to accompany him for such an event? Does this mean that I'll not only be his pretend fiancee in front of his mother but also in front of his colleagues and friends? '' Lucia pondered
" That would imply more lying and deception " Lucia continued, she sat down feeling exasperated and tired
" But what it will also imply is I get to wear a fancy dress and do role play... That would be fun " Lucia's face lit up, filled with excitement she clapped her hand drawing attention from other workers.
" Sorry " She apologized, somehow she had gotten accustomed to this, always causing stares and having to apologize.
Everyone staring at her eventually shifted their gazes to their own work, nevertheless she still heard people gossiping about how weird she is.
" It's 4: 30... Thankfully there's no work tomorrow being Saturday " Lucia sighed, hoping time would go faster.
***
Lucia finally got to Henderson Villa after a long time of waiting at the bus station, she dragged her feet on the tiles feeling tired and exhausted from the day's activities.
" Lucia, You're home " Mr Williams said as he walked into the living room.
" Good Evening Mr Williams " Lucia replied forcing out a smile, she looked behind Mr Williams and saw two ladies dressed in a maid outfit.
" Good evening? " Lucia greeted awkwardly, this was the first time she was seeing people other than Liam, Kyle and Mr Williams in this house so it never crossed her minds that there were female workers in the house and even if it did, they did well in hiding themselves.
" Good Evening Miss Camden " The both ladies chorused
" They both believe you are Mr Henderson's fiancee, Mr Henderson said to do this to reduce suspicion and rumors that may arise " Mr Williams whispered to only Lucia's hearing.
" Interesting, more lies " Lucia put on an obviously false smile
" So tell me why are these ladies out in the open and not hiding as usual? " Lucia asked crudely
" They do not stay in hiding, Mr Henderson simply dislikes seeing people around and so he made it a rule that no one should step into the main house except called for " Mr Williams explained
" So I'm guessing they were called then, what for? " Lucia asked, dropping her bag on the couch.
" I'd like to ask you a question Lucia " Mr Williams said thoughtfully
" Feel free " Lucia replied, curious of what his question would be
" What do you know about balls? " Mr Williams asked
" Well if I'm being honest I know only about prom... And I never attended one ” Lucia replied awkwardly
" Well these ladies will take you through everything you need to know about balls, how to dance, how to walk, apply your makeup, pick a ball gown and facial expressions "Mr Williams said, making her face go dark.
" Well that's a great plan but there's just one little problem, how do you expect me to learn all these things in this short period of time... I have only two hours to learn all these " Lucia complained
" Well then I guess we better get to work then "
Mr Williams smiled and clapped twice, signalling the ladies to take her.
" Why not find someone who's fit for all these? " Lucia waved her hands in the air
" I can't do that " Mr Williams replied calmly
" Why? "
" Because you're his fiancee " Mr Williams replied, making Lucia freeze for a while.
As Lucia stood still, Mr Williams gave signs to the women to take her.
" Come with me Miss " One of the ladies said, holding Lucia's hand and taking her upstairs to her room.
" This is going to be tough, " Mr Williams heaved a sigh.
***
" So is she practicing? " Liam asked Me Williams over the phone
" Yes she is, however I don't think it will be that easy... Why not get someone else to go with you? " Me Williams asked
" It may raise suspicion especially with my mom if I should introduce a woman to her as my fiancee and take another to the ball... She'll get to know about it " Liam explained, his hands on his laptop, Kyle stood beside him.
" I understand... I'll try my best... " Mr Williams paused for a while.
" Although I don't believe this would work " Mr Williams continued
" Just give it a shot, Williams. Thank you" Liam replied and dropped the telephone.
" You're taking your fiancee to the ball " Kyle teased
" Tease me once more and you won't have a mouth " Liam threatened
" So what's it like living with a pretty woman other than your mom? " Kyle asked, a playful expression on his face.
" It's tiring " Liam replied, massaging his neck
" Is it really or are you just saying that? " Kyle smirked
" Do you know what's funny? The fact that I took your advice into consideration that night " Liam frowned and Kyle erupted in laughter
" I only gave a suggestion... It was your choice to take it or leave it, apparently you took it... What's my fault? " Kyle asked, still laughing.
" I only hope she does not disgrace me tonight " Liam sighed
" Let's go " Kyle said and Liam shutdown his laptop
***
"... Miss Camden you're doing it the wrong thing, it's not like that, it's like this " One of the ladies complained as Lucia did the wrong steps
" Oh... Can you show me once more? " Lucia smiled wryly
" One... Two.. Three One... Two.. Three " The lady muttered as she showed Lucia the moves again.
Someone abruptly knocked on the door, causing everyone's attention to turn to the door.
" Come in " Lucia responded
A male servant walked into her room and bowed his head a little as a greeting
" Mr Henderson is waiting and you are expected to come down soon " The man said
" Tell him I'll be down soon " Lucia replied
" Yes ma'am " The man gave a little bow and left
Downstairs, Liam waited impatiently for Lucia to come down, he wondered what was holding her back.
" Isn't she taking too long to come down " Liam asked Mr Williams
" She is a woman, she needs time to do her makeup and hair " Mr Williams smiled
" Send someone to fetch her " Liam said running out of time
" That won't be necessary " Lucia's soft voice rang in Liam's ears and he turned to the staircase
Liam stared deeply at Lucia, mesmerized by her delicate and ethereal beauty, she wore a lilac ball flowing gown which made her look like a regal, her brown hair was styled beautifully and she wore light make-up.
Liam swallowed hard, trying to exert control over himself
" So... How do I look? "Lucia asked with a beautiful smile on her face
" You look pretty… " Liam replied awkwardly