Chapter 4: First impression
1016 Words
Harry's talk with Mia had been short but clear. They needed to play along with his mother's wishes for now. Neither of them had a choice.
That evening, Mia faced her closet, gazing at the handful of dresses that James had purchased for her. She chose the black one, wishing it would allow her to blend into the environment. However, upon entering the dining room, she realized that it wouldn't be possible.
Eleanor positioned herself at the head of the long table, observing everyone closely like a hawk. "Mia, my dear, you're nearly late.Come over and sit here, beside Harry."
Selen, who was already sitting on Harry's other side, appeared displeased with this setup. She had on a red dress that likely was pricier than Mia's whole collection of clothes.
"Well then," Eleanor remarked as the servants entered with the first dish, "let's talk about the charity gala next week.It's among our biggest events of the year."
Mia picked up what she hoped was the right fork. There were so many. "What's the charity for?"
"Children's education," Harry answered before his mother could. "We raise money for schools in poor areas."
Mia's eyes lit up. "That's wonderful! I used to—" She stopped, remembering she wasn't supposed to talk about her teaching past.
"Used to what, dear?" Eleanor asked sharply.
"I used to volunteer at a children's center," Mia said quickly. It wasn't exactly a lie.
"How sweet," Selen cut in. "I actually run my own children's charity. In fact, Eleanor, I'd love to help plan the gala. I have so many ideas."
"Excellent!" Eleanor beamed. "We'll start tomorrow. Mia, you'll join us too, of course."
Before Mia could answer, she knocked over her water glass. It spilled across the expensive tablecloth, spreading like a stain on her chances.
"Oh!" She jumped up, grabbing her napkin. "I'm so sorry!"
"Don't worry about it," Harry said kindly, but Eleanor's frown said otherwise.
"Perhaps some etiquette lessons would be useful," Eleanor suggested. "Lisa, please fetch a fresh tablecloth."
The head housekeeper hurried forward with a new cloth. As she helped clean up, she gave Mia a small, encouraging smile.
The rest of dinner went by in a blur of wrong forks and awkward silences. Selen kept the conversation flowing, talking about fashion shows and charity events she'd attended. Mia felt more and more out of place with each passing minute.
After dinner, Eleanor announced, "Selen, come with me to my study. Let's start planning the gala."
They left Mia alone in the hallway. Not knowing what else to do, she followed Lisa to the kitchen to help clean up.
"You don't need to do that, miss," Lisa said, watching Mia roll up her sleeves.
"Please, I want to help. I feel useless just standing around."
Lisa studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright then. I'll teach you a few things about how this house runs. Might come in handy."
For the next hour, Lisa showed Mia around the kitchen and explained the daily routines.It felt nice to engage in something Normal, even though it was just learning the proper place for the tea cups.
The following morning, Mia got up early. Since she couldn’t sleep at all, she decided to wander through the gardens. That was when she met Mr. Reed, the elderly gardener.
"These roses," he said with pride, presenting her the white buds. "are for the gala." "However, my hands aren't as steady as they once were."
"Can I help?" Mia offered.
Mr. Reed taught her how to prune the roses carefully. They worked together quietly until they heard voices approaching.
"The roses must be perfect for the gala," Eleanor was saying. "Mrs. Rothschild always comments on them."
Mia quickly stepped behind a bush. Through the leaves, she saw Eleanor and Selen walking arm in arm.
"Don't worry," Selen said. "Everything will be perfect. I've already called my event planner. We'll make this the best gala you've ever had."
Their voices faded as they walked away. Mr. Reed looked at Mia knowingly.
"Don't let them bother you," he said. "Been working here thirty years. Seen all types come and go."
Later that afternoon, Mia found Mr. Reed in his small cottage, looking pale. "Just need to rest," he insisted. "But the roses..."
"I'll take care of them," Mia promised. She helped him to his bed and found a book on his table. "Would you like me to read to you?"
He nodded gratefully. Mia sat down and began reading, not knowing Harry was watching from outside.
The next few days fell into a pattern. Mornings in the garden with Mr. Reed, afternoons trying to help with gala preparations while Selen took charge of everything. Eleanor's "evaluation process" included daily tests of their social graces, knowledge of fine wines, and ability to plan events.
Selen excelled at everything. Mia tried her best, but she felt like she was failing more than succeeding.
The night before the gala, Mia went to her room to get ready for bed. She'd picked out a simple blue dress for tomorrow. It wasn't fancy, but it was the best she had.
But when she opened her closet, her heart stopped. The dress was there, but it was in shreds, like someone had taken scissors to it.
There was a knock at her door. Selen stood there, holding a garment bag.
"I heard you might need a dress," she said with a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You can borrow one of mine. After all, we can't have you embarrassing Harry tomorrow."
Before Mia could respond, Selen leaned in close and whispered, "Just remember your place. A low-life like you will never belong here."
She dropped the garment bag in Mia's arms and walked away, her heels clicking on the marble floor like a countdown to tomorrow's disaster.
Mia looked at the ruined blue dress, then at Selen's "gift." She had no choice but to accept it. But as she hung up the borrowed dress, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of Selen's games.
- Writer
