Crimson Vow’s

To Gala

Isabella’s phone buzzed. It was a number she didn't recognize, but the instinct in her stomach told her who it was and she was dreading this call.

"Miss Isabella?" a smooth, professional voice began on the other end, unmistakably one of Alessandro's lieutenants.”yes” she replied . "This is Enzo. Just confirming that the obsidian and gold piece will be delivered to the Moretti Gala venue tomorrow, by noon. And Mr. Moretti expects you to be there to present it. He believes the artist's personal touch will elevate the impact of the piece."

Isabella's jaw tightened. "Tomorrow? But... I have other engagements. I was told I would quickly make the piece; that I understand, but my presence”?

"I assure you, Miss Isabella," Enzo's voice remained even, but with a kind of steel in it that left no room for negotiation, "your presence is not optional. Consider it part of the... arrangement. Mr. Moretti is very keen on this particular presentation. We'll send a car for you at seven in the evening. Don't be late……and least I forget, he continued, a messenger will bring the contract agreement .I already sent the piece we will be needing to your email.Have a nice day”.

The line went dead, leaving Isabella staring at her phone, a mix of disbelief and resignation washing over her. “f**k you,” She shouted , throwing the painting in front of her with rage.

She was being summoned. The head of the Moretti family wasn't just buying art; he was buying her presence, her narrative, her story for his event. The gala wasn't just a display; it was a stage and she didn’t want to go.

THE NEXT MORNING

“ Oh s**t”!!

Isabella in her hurry to off the blaring alarm has kicked the table clock off it’s stand.She was hissing now.

“Something is weighing on my mind”, she thought , then it came to her. She is carrying the weight of the impending evening. The Moretti Gala.The night before , she has spent it restlessly.”I had to do what I have to “, she mumbled to herself. Replaying Alessandro's words, the threat even though it wasn’t so deep and chilling efficiency of Enzo's call sent shiver down her spine. Isabella knew a single misstep could turn to disaster so she needed to show confidence, elegance, and an air that suggested she belonged, even if her heart pounded a frantic drum against her ribs.”How do I even fit in the circle ,she said this aloud now.” It’s very obvious that they are rich and people of importance will be there , what do I even wear”. “Should I call Maya”? But she thought against it.

She would try to put everything in order.

She spent hours in preparation, Every detail was considered. She clipped her hair, usually in dark curls, into a sophisticated updo that framed her high cheekbones and emphasized the delicate line of her neck. Her makeup was simple yet looked beautiful .”Finally, I’m making something “ she smiled.

“One-one-one by one, you hang them high

Your hands are steady and you sleep at night

How did you turn your heart to stone?

I don't want him back, but I can't let go

Hangman, answer me now

You owe me a debt, you stole him from me

I hated you once, I envy you now

Just tell me how, tell me how”.

While picking the dress to wear she was humming Beyoncé and Dolly Parton’s Tyrant.

Then came the dress that caught her eye. “ I had chosen this for Chloe’s birthday dinner and now I have to wear it to this Crazy man’s Gala when he’s not as important as her” she muttered under her breath with a sad but same time menacing expression.

It was a deep emerald green, a silk creation that moved like liquid around her, hugging her curves without revealing too much. The fabric looked shiny with every shift. It was simple yet elegant, and has a high slit that offered just a glimpse of leg. When she finally stood before the mirror, she knew. She absolutely killed it. “Oh my God , I’m so pretty”. She blushed.

Her reflection staring back was exactly what she wanted and she’s promising herself that this Mr.Moretti or whatever he was called get a piece of her mind after this gala.

The sound of her phone ringing jerked her back ti reality.She picked.

“ This is Enzo, hi”.

“Hi”, she replied coldly.

“ A Sedan is coming to pick you now, I guess you should be ready by now .See you”. And he ended the call.

“Oh my God, she screamed, what a prick.He couldn’t even give me time to speak but is so quick to end the phone on me.Who do they think they her that they can dictate my movement or tell me what to do”. At this time, Isabella was already angry and the stubborn part of her wanted to go against them but in this moment ,the luxury sedan arrived precisely on time, a sleek black shadow at her curb.

Taking a deep breath, Isabella stepped out of her home into the awaiting vehicle.The journey was short, but the uncertainty of what she is to expect stretched it into an eternity.

When the car pulled up to the grand entrance, it seemed like everywhere went quiet ; to her. Flashing cameras lit up the night, and a low murmur of conversation rippled through the crowd gathered outside. The venue building itself was made of glass and steel, a very huge difference from the luxurious structures she even see in town.

As the chauffeur opened the door, Isabella stepped out, the emerald silk pooling around her, catching the flash of the cameras. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, cigars, and money.

“This is power radiating from every corner” she thought to herself. This presence looked intimidating to her.” No wonder, he’d so arrogant “. Any way She was here, at the Moretti Gala, with her Canvas already placed inside, waiting. She won’t let nothing get in her way tonight.