Chapter6

The backless design added an element of allure, and even if the night turned chilly, the thought of my mate's reaction kept me warm. The gown was tailored to perfection, accentuating my silhouette and highlighting every curve with its form-fitting design. I finished the look with strappy stiletto heels, ready to leave an unforgettable impression.

“I think this dress will look even better with a slit…” I talked to myself. I’m 5’6” and my legs were long and round, it was a waste that I couldn’t flaunt it tonight.

Oh, well! I was sure my mate would take me out of this dress soon, so there was no need for a slit, baby!

“Kyaaa!” I screamed as my face turned red from the thought of completing the mating process!

I had learned that after this ball, once my mate had put his claim on me, it was normal to get straight to the business and hit a home run.

Okay, I’m seriously flushing right now.

*Knock*

*Knock*

I approached the door and, upon opening it, was greeted by a girl in a uniform. She smiled so widely that her eyes seemed to disappear. Honestly, I couldn't tell if they were open or not.

“Good evening, Ma’am. I hope I’m not disturbing your preparation. I’m Maya, one of the guesthouse staff here.” her voice came out stern, a stark contrast to her cheerful appearance. I got the impression that she might not be as friendly as she initially seemed.

Still, I smiled. “Hi, good evening. You’re not disturbing me at all, is there something wrong?”

I wasn't sure why she approached me. After all, there was a designated time for everyone to gather downstairs before we'd board a vehicle to the Hall where the ball would take place.

“There is a change of time and we are asked to tell the guest to come to the lobby as soon as possible. Three van has left with the previous batch, only one van left awaits downstairs. I’m so sorry for this inconvenience.”

SSo the ball was being held earlier than scheduled? And only one van was left? Holy f-- Oh my god! I couldn't afford to be late! If I missed out, it would be a massive problem!

“Sure! I-I’ll just grab my things and head down.”

“Okay, Ma’am. I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“No, it's okay. Thank you, Maya!”

I quickly grabbed my pouch, stuffing in the makeup I'd need for touch-ups later. Why had they changed the schedule? This was so unexpected! It was fortunate that my excitement had led me to get ready early. I had thought there was still an hour before the scheduled meet-up in the lobby.

“Oh! My invitation!” Oh my! I almost forgot my invitation! I wouldn't be allowed to attend the Ball without it!

Oh, no. Oh, no! I’m panicking!

As soon as the elevator doors slid open, I dashed inside and rapidly pressed the ground floor button. Every second felt like an eternity as the elevator made its descent. I kept checking the time, hoping I hadn't missed the last van. The anxiety was killing me!

Oh, fuck! I’ll fucking run!

I went to the stairs and inhaled deep, filling my lungs with oxygen that I know will leave my body later.

Oh, my thrift heels!

I took off my pumps and almost hugged them. I don’t want to judge the durability of this poor little thing but it was better to be safe than sorry.

With inhuman speed, I started running down the staircase of the emergency exit, slamming on every floor’s door, and boom! I reached the ground floor --huffing.

“Oh, there is one more here, bud!” said a guy in a uniform to the same guy who oriented us yesterday.

The serious-mysterious guy looked at me and arched an eyebrow when his eyes landed on the heels on my arms. I smiled sheepishly and started wearing the three-inch precious black pumps.

“H-Hi!” I said, trying to walk closer to the guy while putting on my heels. Struggling.

“You can sit down first and put that on,” he said, pointing to a chair nearby.

“I think I’m late. I don’t want to be a-”

“We will wait. Please take a seat first.”

“Oh, okay.”

I slumped on the soft couch in the lobby and wore my heels, making sure to lock the straps.

I muttered under my breath when I realized how unladylike I sat and the position I have now. I forgot to be prim and proper! Ugh! It was hard when what I was used to wear were man-clothes and boots!

I immediately sat up straight, smiling at the guy who frowns at me.

“Come along.” he started to walk so I walk-run to keep up with him. The guy holds a piece of paper and he scanned it before asking me, “From which pack?” he looked at me with a poker face.

“Regal,” I said with a grin.

He cleared his throat. “That’s weird. The other girls from your pack told me there was just three of them. Your name, please?”

My jaw dropped from what he said. Those bitches!

“L-Lucianna Withefield.”

How can those bitches gang up against me? I didn’t do anything bad for them to act like that! Fucking bitches!

“May I see your invitation? I need to confirm that you belong to the Ball,” he said as we stopped beside the vehicle that would take the last batch of women to the Hall.

“S-Sure.” I handed him what he asked.

And now I was under investigation because of those selfish, bully bitches!

Okay, calm down, Lucianna. This was your night. You would meet your mate tonight! Forget Leslie and her group and just hope that their mates were dead or away so they had to come back for the next year's Ball!

As for me, I never entertain in my head that I wouldn’t meet my mate tonight.

I will meet him! Claim it to have it, right?

“Okay. Here is your invitation. Hop in, the Ball is about to start by now.”

I paled and hurriedly went inside the vehicle. I felt some chills as burning eyes from irritated girls stab me in the back. They must be mad that I was the last one who made it in.

Looking back at them, I gave them a wide smile though my lips were trembling from how awkward it was. They all looked away and I shrugged as the vehicle started to drove us to our fates.

“I think I’m gonna pass out!” says one of the girls inside the van.

“I know, girl!” another said with excitement then all of them started a whole conversation full of giggling and squealing.

I wanted to join, too!

But since they kept on pretending I was invisible, I couldn’t. I was too familiar with this ambiance, the feeling someone has when they are being left out.