Sitting on her desk, Vivienne was deeply engrossed in her work when her phone rang out loud, breaking the silence. The abrupt sound startled her; she quickly reached out for the device. The caller ID showed Grandma.
"Hello, grandma!" She said brightly.
"Hello Viv, how are you, my child?" Maria's familiar, warm voice came from the other end.
"I'm alright." She replied with a smile.
"Wonderful!" She replied cheerfully. "I guess you haven't forgotten the charity ball this weekend?"
Vivienne tapped her head with a finger. How could she forget it? The ball completely slipped off her mind.
But keeping her thoughts to herself, she replied simply. "No, Grandma."
"Good. Now, you have to prepare well for the ball. After all, you're going there as Damien's fiancée for the first time."
Vivienne smiled but said nothing.
"And you need to dress accordingly, so—we're going shopping tomorrow. Ten sharp. Any problem with that?"
"Perfect. It's settled then—tomorrow at ten."
"Okay. Good night Grandma!"
"Good night, Viv."
After the call ended, she let it rest quietly on the desk again. Her brows furrowed as she stared outside the window.
Since her rebirth, certain things had shifted. In her previous life, she hadn't uncovered Damien's truth so early—there had been no washroom incident, no early suspicions.
And this charity ball? If her memory served her right, it hadn't happened at all.
This was new. Maybe her actions in this life had started to alter the timeline.
A knowing smile appeared on her lips; it wasn't just a ball — it was a test. A carefully veiled inspection to test her loyalty toward the Ashfords, and her blind love for Damien.
Maria might have spoken to her like every other time, with kindness and warmth in her voice, but she knew it.
She hadn't trusted her completely. Not yet.
But for now, she shook off all these things from her head. Her gaze fixed on the opened notebook — to be precise, on the unfinished sketch. Her entry for the first round of the competition.
She picked up the pencil from her desk and started working on it again. Within a few hours, a sketch of a beautiful gown began to emerge in the notebook.
-
The next day, Vivienne arrived at the Ashford mansion five minutes early. Maria had always favored punctual people — and she wanted her to notice her actions.
As she stepped into the drawing room, her eyes immediately spotted her; the older woman was already seated on a velvet chair, sipping a warm cup of tea. Everything about her was poise and elegant — from the immaculate burgundy coat and the pristine shawl wrapped around her shoulders to the way she held that teacup. She had always exuded the elegance and grace of a powerful matriarch.
"Good morning, Grandma!" She greeted her with a bright smile.
"Five minutes early! I'm impressed." She smiled at Vivienne warmly.
Vivienne returned the smile. "Thank you. I didn't want to keep you waiting."
Maria motioned to the seat across from her. "Sit, dear. We'll leave once you've had some tea."
Vivienne obeyed, smoothing her dress, she sat across her. The maid quickly served her a cup of warm fragrant tea — it wasn't the ones easily available in the market, a cup of silver tips imperial.
Vivienne took her time, sipping it slowly. She knew Maria watched her — her every step was taken with utmost calculation.
"You've been busy lately, haven't you?" Maria asked gently.
"Yes Grandma", Vivienne replied. "There's a competition in six months, I'm working hard for it. I really wanna stand out."
"I know you can, dear. I have faith in you." Maria nodded approvingly and stood up. "And now, let's find a gown that makes you stand out."
And with that, they both headed outside.
-
The ride to the boutique was smooth. They rode one of the Ashford family's black sleek cars. And it was more comfortable — more than all the cars the Winter family owned.
As the car pulled up in front of the shopping complex, they got off.
"Viv, Come." Saying softly, Maria walked inside, and Vivienne followed her.
The boutique was nestled in the heart of the Rontrix city, exclusively reserved for the elites. As they entered, the manager personally greeted Maria.
Vivienne laughed inwardly. What a smooth talker! This was the same man she saw the last time she visited this place — scolding one of the staff members in the rudest way possible. A difference reserved for royalty — sure thing.
The boutique was made private for today — there was no customer apart from them. As they walked, the attendants fawned over them, ushering them towards the hall where all the exclusive designs of this year were kept.
Vivienne paced looking at the designs of each gown. As a designer, she couldn't help herself but complement! Every gown of the room could pay a year's rent — some, maybe two.
Maria settled herself on a red velvet sofa, and Vivienne took the seat beside her. One of them offered champagne to them; Maria declined with a lifted brow, and Vivienne mirrored her.
As the gowns were brought forward, Maria sat back and observed. She believed in appearances, in image. And the woman she wanted by Damien's side at the ball couldn't just look stunning—she had to radiate elegance and ambition.
She tried on the first gown — a crimson piece; bold, warm.
"No", she shook her head, barely glancing at it. "Not a good match for a charity ball."
Vivienne returned to the fitting room and tried the second one, a blue gown with a silver lining.
"Nah... Too cold. Not a good match for you."
Vivienne stood quietly, scanning the gowns presented in front of her. All of them were gorgeous, but she had to find the perfect match. The one that could catch Maria's attention.
And suddenly, her eyes struck on one.
An emerald gown. Deep, dark, and hauntingly beautiful. She strode forward and picked it up. As she looked back, she was met with her with a satisfying gaze. "Try that. Green suits you." Maria said in a soft voice.
She took the gown and disappeared inside the fitting room. Unseen to everyone, something flickered in her eyes.
'I guess I'm gonna pass the first test soon.'