11 Christmas (2/2)

While wiping her eyes met the mirror. She stopped. Staring at the mirror she walked slowly towards it. She saw a beautiful reflection of hers. Gently placing her hand on her face, she looked at it.After staring for a long while... she finally made her mind.

'I must attend the party tonight'

She wondered if she could find any clues about her mother and her identity. For this, she had to brace herself with self-confidence and faith.

Moving out of the bathroom, she slipped into a violet dress and headed towards the garden.

While watering the plants,

”Are you going to attend today's party, Margaret ?” Caroline's eyes fixed on Margaret.

”Umm... yes I will.” Margaret tried not to make eye contact and concentrated on the work she was doing.

”Huh? Who asked you to?” '

”Father,” Margaret tried hard to keep her answers short.

”Oh! I see. Okay, then see you at the party.” Caroline left.

Margaret was confused and surprised at the same time. Now that she was accustomed to Caroline's bullies all the time, she felt strange.

After watering the plants, she directly went to the dining hall. Seeing no one there, she went to look out for her father.

”Are you searching for me?” Corbette stood right behind her.

”Ah! Ohh, father,stop scaring me” hey eyes widened in shock.

”Haha! Now tell me why were you looking out for me?” his gentle voice helped her relax.

”I'm afraid, father... What if I embarrass you there? It's my first time you know...” she laced her fingers out of nervousness and stared at the white tiled floor.

”Don't worry, get ready sharp at five in the evening.” he smiled and turned around to leave.

He felt sorry for the young girl but also proud of her. She had been a sweet, understanding and adoting daughter,. quite matured more than her age.

At sharp three in the afternoon, Margaret woke up to get ready for the party. She took a quick shower... dried her long blonde hair and wore the pink dress. The pink silk satin dress perfectly hugged her curves. Her curves and her tall stature complimented each other. The U-shaped neckline made her collarbones more prominent. The dress hugged her waist tightly and flowed down her legs like a stream of water. The golden glitter handiwork spread across from the waist to her legs. She stared at the mirror and admired how beautiful the reflection was.

She started untangling her hair until they were smooth and glossy. She tried making different hairstyles... a bun... a ponytail... braid, but were not satisfying. She finally let her hair down. The silky blonde hair cascaded down her back. With every move, they bounced against her back. Her thick eyelashes gave her eyes a subtle look of applied kohl. Her plum red lips looked alluring.

After she got dressed up, she slipped her feet into a pair of white sandals. Now she was completely ready. She was nervous and moved back and forth a looking around quickly. Her fingers intertwined... her tapping sounds showed how bitterly nervous she was.

”Margaret!” she heard her father speak from the other side of the door.

She rushed to the door and clicked opened it.

”Father...” she hurriedly hugged him, ”I cannot go...”

Pulling her from the embrace, he looked at her and was spellbound. Staying silent for a while, he finally said, ”You look beautiful...” he admired how beautiful his daughter was.

”But---”

”No but's...Let's go. We are running late!” he pulled her by her arm and climbed down the stairs.

Looking at the beauty, Liliana and Caroline's mouth with wide open.

Caroline clenched her fists, her knuckles turned white. Of course, her step sister looked more beautiful than her. But she couldn't protest. She simply cursed her under her breath.

Liliana spoke nothing as if Margaret never existed. She took her own daughter's hand and started walking.

All of them entered the carriage and sat facing each other. Upon reaching the castle...they saw a huge mass of people dispersing.

They were late.