Chapter 17
Chapter 17
ARIA’S POV
The next morning, I woke up to a rush of activity in my room. A line of female servants walked in, their arms loaded with boxes and garment bags.
The room was filled with the soft rustling of fabric and the delicate tinkling of jewelry.
“What’s all this?” I asked, my voice still husky from sleep.
Anna, my favourite servant since childhood, stepped forward with a friendly smile. “Good morning, Princess Aria. We are here to help you prepare for the celebration.”
I groaned and pulled the covers over my head. “I’m not in the mood for dress–up, Anna. Tell them to leave.
However Anna wasn’t having it. She gently pulled the blanket down, her eyes filled with sympathy. “I’m sorry, Princess, but your father insists. He wants you looking your best for the guests.”
I sat up, feeling frustrated as my chest tightened. “My best? Anna, I just lost my baby. How am I supposed to care about looking my best?”
The room fell silent as the servants exchanged uncomfortable glances. Anna sat on the edge of my bed, taking my hand in hers. “I know you’re hurting, Princess. We all feel your pain. But maybe… just maybe this could help take your mind off things, even if just for a little while?”
I wanted to argue, to send them all away and curl back up in my grief. But something in Anna’s kind gaze made me pause. With a heavy sigh, I nodded. “Fine. Let’s get this over with,”
What followed was a storm of activity. Dresses in all the colours of the rainbow were shown to me for my approval. Jewels sparkled in the morning light as necklaces, bracelets, and tiaras were held up for my. Inspection.
“This emerald gown would really bring out your eyes, Princess,” one servant suggested, holding up a dress that sparkled like leaves in the forest.
“Too dark,” I muttered. “Next”
A necklace designed with rubies was fastened around my neck, its weight feeling unfamiliar after being away from such luxury for so long.
“It’s beautiful, Anna breathed.
I gently touched it, remembering a time when such jewels were a regular part of my life. “It’s… it’s nice,” I admitted reluctantly.
As the makeover continued, I found myself drawn into the process despite my initial resistance. There was something comforting about the familiar routine.
“Now, for the finishing touch,” Anna announced, holding up a stunning silver gown that seemed to catch every ray of light in the room.
As I put it on, I couldn’t help but gasp. The fabric hugged my curves perfectly. It was perfect.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 17
“Take a look at yourself, Princess,” Anna urged, guiding me to the full–length mirror.
1 stared at my reflection, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. The tired, grief–stricken girl from this morning was gone. In her place stood a stunning figure in silver, hair flowing in soft waves and eyes sparkling with a hint of their old mischief,
“Is that really me?” I whispered, as I touched the mirror in disbelief.
Anna smiled, her eyes filled with pride. “Yes, it is. You look every inch the beloved ‘little princess‘ that you’ve always been.”
Her words made me smile shyly.
Little princess. How long had it been since anyone had called me that? Since I had felt like that carefree, adored girl?
As I stared at my reflection, memories came rushing back. The humiliation I had endured at the hands of Dante, his mother, and Linda. The pain, the betrayal and the loss. In that moment, the beautiful gown felt like a shield, and the jewels like weapons.
I stood up straight, lifting my chin. “Anna,” I said, ‘make sure everything is perfect. I want to look my absolute best for this celebration.”
Anna nodded, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Of course, Princess. But… may I ask why the sudden change of heart?”
I turned back to the mirror, a small, secret smile playing on my lips. “Let’s just say I have a point to prove.”
As the servants put the finishing touches on my outfit, I made a silent vow. This celebration wouldn’t just be about my return or my birthday. It would be the beginning of my revenge. Dante, his mother, Linda they would all pay for what they had done to me.
The once little princess was back, but she wasn’t so little anymore. And this time, she was out for blood.
The day of my birthday celebration arrived faster than expected, bringing with it a rush of emotions! wasn’t quite prepared for.
As I stood at the edge of the dock, watching the sunlight dance on the lake’s surface, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
My brothers had really gone above and beyond. The entire dock was completely decorated with twinkling lights and colourful banners, and a massive cruise ship was seen in the background. The lakeside area nearby had been turned into a playground for young wolves, and the sound of their laughter could be heard in the air.
“Quite a sight, isn’t it?” Adam said as he came to stand beside me.
I nodded, taking it all in. “It’s… overwhelming.
He chuckled as he threw an arm around my shoulders. That’s kind of the point, little sis. We wanted to make sure everyone remembers this day.”
I leaned into his embrace, grateful for the familiar comfort. “I’m not sure I’m ready for all this attention,” I
Chapter 17
admittedly
Adam turned to face me, his expression serious. “Hey, you’ve got this. You’re stronger than you know Aria. And we are all here for you.”
As if on cue, my other brother, Ryan, walked up to us, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You two having a moment? Because if you are, I hate to break it up, but the guests are starting to arrive.”
I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. “Alright, let’s do this.”
As we made our way back to the main reception area, I couldn’t help but marvel at the transformation Elegant tables were spread out on the dock, filled with food and drinks. A string quartet played softly in the corner, their music mingling with the gentle lapping of the waves.
“Princess Aria,” a voice called out, and I turned to see Elder Marissa approaching with a warm smile on her face. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
I gave a small curtsy, feeling slightly awkward in my fancy gown. Thank you, Elder. I’m glad you could make it. I hope you enjoy the party.”
“Oh, I’m sure I will, Princess. It is your special day, after all,” she said with a smile.
