Aimee stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of her red dress, her fingers lightly tracing the fabric that clung to her curves. She loved the way the color popped against her skin—bold, confident, the kind of red that commanded attention. Her signature red lipstick followed next, a sharp swipe that perfectly matched the intensity of her outfit.
She took one last look at herself in the mirror, making sure everything was flawless, before grabbing her purse and heading out the door to Claudia's mansion.
Aimee stepped out of the shuttle, smoothing the front of her red dress with a sense of satisfaction. she could already feel eyes on her as she made her way up the long driveway.
**************At Claudia's House***********
When she reached the entrance, the door swung open with the soft creak of hinges, revealing Ana, Claudia's old nanny. The woman's face was etched with suspicion, as always. Her sharp eyes flicked over Aimee, pausing just a moment too long on the red dress.
I remember my Claudia having this same exact gown. Funny, I don't think I've seen it on her in a while." Says Ana
Aimee's lips curled into a tight smile, not letting Ana's jabs affect her. "It's nice to see you too, Old Ana," she replied, her tone sweet but laced with a hint of sarcasm.
Just then, a voice filled the room, deep and warm with authority.
"Aimee!"
It was Mr. Pedro, Claudia's father, who came striding toward her with an easy smile. His presence was commanding, his stature impressive and his demeanor always warm. Aimee greeted him with a smile, a practiced curve of the lips that didn't reveal how much she liked being the center of attention.
Mr. Pedro, it's so good to see you again," Aimee said, her voice sweet and polite
"Always a pleasure, Aimee," Mr. Pedro said, patting her on the shoulder in a fatherly way. "You're looking stunning as always."
Before Aimee could respond, a slight, hesitant noise echoed from the grand staircase, drawing her attention. She turned just in time to see Claudia appear, limping as she descended the stairs, holding onto the banister for support. There was a soft, quiet grace to the way Claudia moved, despite the obvious discomfort. Her smile, though warm, didn't quite reach her eyes.
Well, if it isn't the cripple," Aimee murmured under her breath, just loud enough for herself to hear. The words were spiteful, though disguised beneath the sweetness of her smile.
Claudia reached the bottom of the stairs, still smiling but wincing slightly as she straightened up.
Aimee didn't waste a second. She closed the distance between them and embraced her best friend in an exaggerated hug, one that might have been mistaken for affection if one didn't look too closely.
Claudia pulled back slightly from the hug, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she looked at Aimee. "We have a lot to catch up on," she said, her voice tinged with eagerness. "Guess who's coming back into the States?"
Aimee raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "Who?" she asked, feigning casual curiosity, though her heart skipped a beat. Claudia's tone, her expression—it all screamed like she was about to drop some big news.
"Martin!" Claudia announced with a dramatic flair.