The clock ticked relentlessly, marking the passage of time until the much-anticipated auction.
[8:25 AM.]
[Advika's Home.]
Advika stood before the full-length mirror, her gaze scrutinizing her reflection. She wore a crisp white suit paired with a black knee-length skirt, a professional ensemble that spoke of efficiency rather than glamour. Her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and her feet were encased in sensible shoes.
"I don't understand why I needed new clothes. This is perfectly fine," she muttered to herself, a hint of bewilderment in her voice.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A series of sharp knocks echoed through the room.
"Come in," Advika called out, turning towards the door.
The door swung open, revealing Sylvia, who froze in the doorway, her eyes fixed on Advika's attire.
"Are you heading to work?" Sylvia asked, closing the door behind her.
"Uh? No, I told you I'm going to the auction today," Advika replied, her brow furrowed slightly.
"Hahaha!" Sylvia burst into laughter, the sound filling the room. She sauntered over to the bed and settled onto it, reaching for Vicki, the gray cat, and stroking its soft fur.
"Why are you laughing?" Advika asked, her confusion deepening.
"Look in the mirror, sister. You look like a businesswoman, ready for a corporate meeting. This outfit suits you as a secretary," Sylvia chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But you're going to an auction, isn't this a bit..."
"I understand, but I don't have anything better than this," Advika said, turning back to the mirror, a hint of concern etched on her face.
"Really? Let me see." Sylvia placed Vicki back on the bed, stood up, and walked towards the wardrobe. She opened it, her eyes scanning the contents.
'I forgot my sister isn't the type who likes dresses and fashion...' She picked up two pieces of clothing and turned to Advika.
"You're telling me all your clothes are shirts and pants?! This is the only skirt you own?" Sylvia asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"You don't even have a single dress!" she added, her voice laced with astonishment.
Advika nodded, her expression apologetic. "I don't find them modest. The only skirts I have are this one and my academy uniform."
Sylvia tossed the clothes onto the bed, her mind racing. "This isn't good. We need to find something. None of my clothes will fit you."
"Hmm... Sylvia, Christopher said he's taking me shopping today," Advika offered in a quiet voice.
"Oh! That's perfect! You can buy more clothes! Remember, no more pants or shirts!" Sylvia exclaimed, her voice firm.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The two sisters turned towards the door as their mother's voice echoed through the room.
"Advika, Master Christopher is here to see you. He's waiting in the sitting room."
"He's already here?!" Advika exclaimed, her eyes widening.
"We're coming, Mum!" Sylvia called out, then turned to Advika. "Okay, no more changing clothes! Come on, let's go!" She grabbed Advika's wrist and pulled her out of the room, Vicki silently following behind them.
__
"Master Christopher, do you need anything?" Anna asked, her smile warm and welcoming.
"Christopher is fine, Mrs. Evander. I don't need anything," Christopher replied, returning her smile.
'He gave us this mansion and helped us in so many ways. And he acts like he hasn't done anything... Still polite and respectful. Not all men are like this; they always have a hidden motive,' Anna thought, her gaze lingering on Christopher.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
The sound of footsteps drew their attention to the stairs, where Advika and Sylvia were descending.
'Wait... What if his target is one of my daughters? Advika.' She turned to Christopher again, and followed his gaze, which was fixed on Advika.
'He helped us because of her, gave us the house, and even made her his personal secretary, with a monthly salary of 50 million... Does he like my daughter?' she wondered, a small frown creasing her brow.
"Good morning, Chris!" Sylvia greeted, standing beside Anna.
"Good morning," Christopher replied with a smile, then turned to Advika. "Can we go now?" he asked.
"Go? Where are you taking her?" Anna asked quickly, her eyebrows raised.
"Well... We're going shopping, then to an auction," Christopher answered, adding, "Don't worry, Mrs. Evander. Your daughter's safety is my priority."
Anna turned to Advika, who nodded slowly.
"Okay... You two take care. Call me if you need anything," she said, her eyes fixed on her daughter.
"Yes, Mum," Advika nodded, rubbing her ring. Vicki transformed into a trail of light and entered the ring.
With that, the two walked out of the house, Advika following behind Christopher.
BAM!
The entrance door closed, and Sylvia turned to Anna.
"Come on, Mum! Why so many questions?" she asked, sitting down beside her mother.
"Many questions? I'm just worried... You know what happens if Advika's emotions flare up."
"What? That won't happen. Besides, Chris already knows about that part of Advika," Sylvia revealed.
"Really?!" Anna was stunned.
'What if he's after my daughter for her powers? Advika's powers are beyond this world... What is he planning to do?'
"What are you thinking, Mum?!" Sylvia asked, frowning.
"Em... Sylvia, can Christopher be trusted?" Anna asked.
"Yes... I trust him 100%! And second, you don't have to ask where they'll be going in the future, for goodness sake... She's now his secretary; she should be with him everywhere."
"You! Are you trying to match your sister with him?!" Anna asked, a smile tugging at her lips.
"It wouldn't be a bad thing... I wouldn't mind having Chris as my brother-in-law... Maybe he can be the one to melt my sister's cold heart," Sylvia stated, her smile widening.
'I'd be truly happy if that happened,' she thought.
Anna stared at her daughter for a moment and nodded. "Okay... I won't ask, but that doesn't mean I won't keep an eye on her..."
She stood up. "I'll check on your father." With that, she walked upstairs, leaving Sylvia to nod in agreement.
__
"Where are we going?" Advika asked as soon as they settled into the car.
Christopher's gaze shifted to her outfit, and he chuckled lightly.
"To the Imperial Fashion Store," he replied, starting the car.
'Imperial Fashion Store? Isn't that the number one store in all five countries?' Advika thought, her disbelief growing.
'I heard even a handkerchief there costs tens of thousands of dollars... Am I really going to Imperial Fashion?' she wondered as the car pulled out of the compound and onto the street.