Katelyn respected Zoey’s determination to ascend socially. She did admire such ambition. After all, people couldn’t choose their origins, and if handed a poor start, they had to strive to improve their circumstances. However, knowing how to play that hand was a skill in itself. Zoey’s impatience, sadly, disqualified her from even getting past the threshold.
With a graceful lift of her gown, Katelyn moved towards the entrance. Zoey’s eyes sparkled with a sudden intensity. With urgency exaggerating her voice, she said, “Katelyn, take me inside.”
At this point, Zoey was beyond caring about Katelyn’s perception of her; she just couldn’t bear the thought of standing at the door, a spectacle of public humiliation. Especially after her outburst, which had already attracted numerous curious stares. She was determined to make a memorable entrance and leave a lasting impression instead of being the butt of the joke.
Katelyn, meanwhile, had obtained an extra invitation, which she now handed to the guard. “This belongs to her. May she go through?”
The organizers had given Katelyn two invitations: one in her name and another intended for Iris, the designer. These invitations were folded with the guest’s name hidden inside, only visible upon opening.
Katelyn observed the guard quietly, though a flicker of nervousness was barely visible in her eyes. If he were to unfold the invitation…
Luckily, the guard just peeked at it, verified its authenticity, and nodded.
“This is indeed valid. You’re clear to enter.”
A broad smile spread across Zoey’s face as she hurried inside. She lifted her gaze, taking in the brilliance of the hall and its stunning decorations. The luxury was almost overwhelming. Was this the elite world she had longed to be part of? Every corner she turned showcased extravagance and wealth. With her humble background, she never dreamed she would have access to such a phenomenon.
Inside, Katelyn led Zoey to a secluded spot, her eyes coldly appraising the gown Zoey wore. “Why are you here, and why in my dress?” she asked.
сρ ﹒
Zoey was wearing Katelyn’s favorite gown, the one with a starry night theme—the very first dress Katelyn had ever created on her own. The strapless dress featured layers of organza that shimmered like a celestial body, creating an effect of a twinkling galaxy. Katelyn typically concentrated on designing jewelry, while creating gowns remained a personal hobby of hers. Still, she cherished every single dress she made.
Zoey, feeling the weight of guilt, avoided Katelyn’s gaze. She cleared her throat, searching for the right words. “I was just curious to see what it felt like to be in a place like this. If I miss this event, who knows when I’ll get another opportunity.”
Katelyn gazed at her with focused attention, only to suddenly notice something on Zoey’s neckline. “Have you altered my dress?!” Katelyn snapped.
Katelyn’s original design for the dress featured a strapless silhouette. The fabric fell perfectly, reaching just to the underarm. However, after Zoey’s tweaks, the neckline transformed from a simple straight cut to a daring plunging V-neck, exposing far more than originally intended. What was meant to catch the eye was the starry pattern on the skirt, not the attention now drawn to the chest area.
.
.
.