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LORI POV.
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The knock on my door was sharp and insistent. I set the last dress aside and exchanged a knowing look with Nicole.
“Who could that be at this hour?” I asked, half amused, half apprehensive.
Before I could finish, the door swung open to reveal Murphy, Knight’s PA, holding a medium-sized box with a discreet smile.
“Miss Lori, your dress for tonight has arrived,” Murphy announced, his tone formal yet tinged with mischief.
Nicole leaned in, her eyes sparkling. “Well, well, let’s see what our dear Knight has picked out for his star tonight.”
Murphy placed the box on the bed and bowed slightly before disappearing as quickly as he’d come. Nicole and I exchanged a look before huddling closer to inspect the package.
“Ready for unboxing?” Nicole whispered conspiratorially.
I nodded, my fingers trembling with anticipation as I carefully lifted the lid. Inside lay a dress that shimmered under the soft light; a daring number of deep crimson silk, the fabric catching every stray ray as it moved. The dress hugged every curve, plunging in the front with delicate lace trim, and flaring out in a cascade that balanced both elegance and allure.
“Lori, this is absolutely stunning,” Nicole breathed, her hand brushing the fabric. “Look at how the silk glistens like liquid fire against your skin.”
I ran my fingers along the smooth surface. “It’s… intoxicating. Knight must be expecting nothing less than perfection tonight.”
Nicole smirked as she began pulling out her own outfit from her wardrobe. “Oh, darling, tonight we’re not just playing roles. we are rewriting the whole narrative. Remember what I said? You’re the headline act.”
I glanced at her, half in disbelief and half in excitement. “And what if Knight doesn’t appreciate my new act? What if he’s still expecting his little doll to dance obediently at his side?”
Nicole’s tone grew firm as she adjusted her makeup in the mirror. “Listen to me, Lori. You’re not his plaything anymore. Tonight, when you step out, you’re going to make him see that you are a force unto yourself. Let him taste a pinch of jealousy. It’s time Knight learns that you belong to no one’s script but your own.”
As I held the dress up, its delicate lace brushing my skin, I murmured, “I hope the look on his face will be worth all this trouble.”
Nicole laughed softly. “Oh, you have no idea. You’re going to shine so bright, even Santorini won’t be able to resist you. ”
I paused, recalling the fleeting moments earlier when I had noticed Santorini staring at me. I’d never spoken to Santorini before, but I could tell from his lingering gaze that he was utterly captivated. “I saw him earlier, you know,” I admitted quietly. “Just standing there, clearly crushing on me from afar.”
Her eyes widened with excitement. “That’s unexpected, Lori. Especially since he’s always so reserved. I can already picture Knight’s jaw dropping when he sees you steal the spotlight.”
We fell silent for a heartbeat before Nicole resumed, “Now, let’s get ready. I want you to be the picture of defiance and allure when you walk into that room.”
I slipped into the crimson dress, feeling its cool, silky embrace against my skin. “It feels like armour, yet so revealing,” I murmured.
Nicole circled me, her eyes tracing every line of the dress. “That’s the point, darling. It’s not about hiding; it’s about owning every part of you. ”
Another knock interrupted our preparations. I hurriedly smoothed the dress as Nicole gave me an encouraging nod.
“Go on, Lori. Tonight, you’re more than just a trophy,” she whispered.
I stepped to the door and opened it to reveal a sleek, black car idling in the dim corridor. As I approached, I couldn’t help but notice that same mysterious figure-Santorini-standing at the view of the entrance, his eyes fixed on me with undeniable admiration.
I hesitated for a moment, then ventured, “I didn’t expect to see you here,” my voice barely above a whisper.
He smiled, his expression soft and intrigued, though his words were few. Instead, he simply nodded, his gaze conveying all the unspoken sentiments of a secret crush. I realized at that moment that, though we’d never exchanged a word before, his silent attention was enough to make my heart flutter.
” Hello, Lori. Don’t be surprised to see me here. I would like to see you in person as soon as the coronation Starts,” He finally broke the silence, smiling at me with his twelve teeth.
My breath choked in my chest. I froze, my heart racing. ” Alright, Sir.”
Without wasting much time, I paced away towards the venue. Meanwhile, I could see his view across my shoulder as he stood there smiling as I walked away.
As I entered, my eyes immediately caught sight of Knight standing near the stage, his back turned as he engaged in conversation with one of his senior advisors-a cigar clenched between his fingers, exuding the authority he was known for.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Santorini gracefully making his way through the crowd toward the stage, his presence quietly electrifying the space. My pulse quickened.
I took a deep breath and, with a confident stride in my crimson dress, moved toward the centre of the room. My voice rang out clear and determined, “Knight, tonight isn’t about roles or expectations. It’s about owning who we are.”
Knight turned, his eyes flickering with confusion and a touch of something I couldn’t quite decipher. “what do you mean?…” he began, his tone wavering as he tried to reclaim control of the moment.
Before he could finish, a murmur of conversation arose from the crowd, punctuated by whispers and knowing glances. I could feel Santorini’s eyes on me, filled with admiration and a hint of challenge.
I met Knight’s gaze squarely, my voice unwavering. “Tonight, I choose to be my own person.”
A tension rippled through the room as Knight’s face tightened, his authority challenged by the unexpected defiance in my tone. Meanwhile, in a quiet corner, Santorini watched, his expression tender.
Nicole stepped up beside me, her smile fierce and encouraging. “That’s it, Lori. Show them that you’re more than just a piece in someone else’s game.”