A STEP FORWARD
1074 Words
The cool air of the night seeped in, through Kaira's bedroom window, but the air didn't cool the unrest inside her heart, she sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the sleek black card resting in her palm.
She had turned it over a dozen times, trying to rethink her decision over and over.
The numbers were simple but the implications weren’t.
Her aunt’s words still echoed in her mind, along with that smirk on Laura's face that made her know they didn't want her involved.
She very much understood that her family downstairs didn’t care where she was tonight. As far as they were concerned, she didn’t exist.
But at least she knew that the ache inside her chest wasn’t just pain anymore. It was determination.
She reached for her phone before she could overthink it and dialled the number printed in gold. It rang twice.
And then: “Leonard speaking.”
She hesitated. “It’s Kaira.”
A pause. Then his tone shifted, it was laced with both surprise and warmth. “I didn’t expect to hear from you.”
“I changed my mind,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I want to go. To the gala.”
A brief silence passed between them like the air itself needed a moment to adjust to this decision. One that would flip a few things over.
“All right,” Leonard finally said, breaking the silence. “I’ll take care of everything. What sizes do you wear?”
She blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Dress size,” he clarified, smoothly. “And shoe. I’m sure you would want to wear something special for a Travious event, something that does justice to your appearance."
Kaira looked down at her loose grey sweatshirt and gave a short, breathy laugh. “Fair point,” she murmured before reciting her details.
“Noted. I’ll send someone over with options. Including hair and makeup too, if you’ll allow it. Something minimal, just enhancement. You’ll still look like you.”
She hesitated again. “And Viktor...?”
“He doesn’t know,” Leonard said gently. “And I’ll keep it that way until you walk through those doors. This is your decision, Kaira. From start to finish.”
For some reason, her chest felt light. "Thank you,” she said quietly.
“No need to thank me. I’ve been around Viktor for decades,” he said with a light, teasing tone. “It’s very rare to see him speechless. So I imagine tonight will be one of those moments.”
Her lips curved up. “Hmmm.”
“I’ll be outside your place at 9pm sharp,” he said. “We’ll take one of the company cars. You’ll arrive like the queen you are.”
Kaira blinked at that, emotion flickering in her eyes. “I’m not a queen.”
“Not yet,” Leonard murmured. “But like I said, you need a lot of answers, only Viktor can give, this your chance. You'll find out in due time.”
Then he hung up before she could say anything else.
Kaira lowered the phone, her heart pounding but not with fear, it was anticipation. For once, she wasn’t running from something.
She was walking straight into it.
And this time, she wouldn't let whatever came her way consume her.
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A knock came at exactly 8:15 p.m.
Kaira walked down the stairs, the house was now as quiet as usual. The servants had already retired to their quarters, making the house feel empty, the kind she was used to.
She found two perfectly dressed stylists waiting outside the door, looking professional and elegant. They were both carrying sleek black cases and wearing discreet earpieces like they’d just stepped out of a fashion week photo shoot. Behind them stood a tall garment bag and stacked luggage.
“We were sent by Mr. Leonard,” one of them said with a small smile. “We barely have one hour. May we come in?”
Kaira stepped aside, still wearing the loose grey sweatshirt she hadn’t bothered to change out of, after work. She felt out of place as they entered like she was pretending to be someone else. But part of her knew this had nothing to do with pretending. To her, it was discovering.
In a matter of minutes, her small room was transformed into a backstage dressing area, with brushes lined on the desk, powders shining underneath soft light, and elegant outfits gently laid across the bed.
One of the stylists, a woman named Lani worked on her face, speaking to her gently as she moved gracefully. The other was a man with white and brown hair named Felix. He carefully helped her step into the dress once her brown hair was arranged into soft curls that fell down her shoulders like soft silk.
When Kaira finally looked into the mirror, she barely recognized herself.
Her makeup was light but refined. Just enough to highlight the sharpness of her cheekbones, the beauty in her golden eyes, and the curve of her lips. Her dress was a deep midnight black, fit perfectly like it had been made for her, hugging every curve. It was sleeveless, with a hint of shimmer down the spine and a neckline that gave elegance without screaming for attention.
Kaira didn’t look like someone trying to belong. She looked like she already did.
“Ready?” Leonard’s voice came from the hallway.
She stepped out and his breath hitched, in a very slight manner.
“Damn,” he said with a smirk. “Travious isn’t ready for this.”
Kaira gave a slight smile but didn't say a word.
Leonard walked out and opened the car door for her, as she entered into the luxury vehicle, she caught a glimpse of herself in the tinted glass.
It wasn’t just the dress or the makeup.
It was the decision. Her decision.
Leonard took the shotgun seat and the driver drove off.
The city lights blurred past as they drove, and then the car turned into the private estate hosting the gala, a long carpet in red and velvet awaited, gleaming beneath the soft golden chandeliers hung above the open-air courtyard like stars.
Then the car slowed down to a stop.
Guests in luxury gowns and tuxedos turned as the driver opened the door.
Kaira stepped out. And silence followed.
- Writer
