~ Lilibeth ~
"Come on, Lilibeth. The girls need to gather at this second! All the guest has gathered outside and Aryan does not like waiting."
I nodded repeatedly. Still kneeling and making sure Jane's tutu was stitch tightly to the fabric of her top since it was accidentally torn by Jane herself.
I bite on a ribbon while I put on the last stitches. Quickly wrapped the ribbon around her waist and watch as the metallic dress fits Jane's petite body. Including accentuate her dark mocha skin and curly hair with a flower crown.
"There! Done! Go now ladies!"
I yelled at them and Jane thank me before running out the door. I sat back on a chair at the dressing room and sighed loudly.
I begin to hear loud piano music outside the room. I looked up at the Grandfather's clock and see the time was only five minutes away from the original time set.
Nevertheless, I smiled. Thank God Jane's dress was completed before the due time and I can finally lean my back on the high chair and let my long locks go.
I turn to the mirror and watch as my curly brown hair falls down my back. I wore a teal colour dress with U curve chest over a white plain shirt, long fitted sleeves and an A gown skirt that falls down to my knee.
I didn't get to wear my make up since I accidentally woke up late, hence the last minute work on Jane's dress. Grandma could've help but she wasn't feeling well these past few days so I have to take over.
Something I have done all over the years as I learn how to sew and even create a dress all on my own. Even the dress I'm wearing right now is one of my work.
Thankfully, not wearing make up still works for me. I was born with good skin from my grandmother and with just basic wash, toner and moisturizer was enough to give me a soft, flowy skin with no foundation.
My indoors work does not give me the chance to tanned my skin so I was pale all over. Nevertheless, my hazel brown eyes, almost a shade of gold and dark hair, brow and naturally blushing red lips stood out like an eyesore. Even my lashes was curly enough to not having to use a curler to set it.
I hear applause from outside and the music changes so I stood up and went out of the room. I saw the red curtain of the stage from the back area and I peeked through a small space from the curtain.
My eyes sparkled in excitement at how beautiful these girls are. All 16 and ready to impress their buyers. Dancing their heart out while the guest (95% being men) watches them with awe.
All the Dolls get to perform as this was part of the Auction. A way to present each of their talent and gift that made them a perfect Dolls. Some was better at dancing while some are food at singing. While others are great cooks, the rest would be good at playing the piano.
As for myself, I'm not one to brag but was genuinely good at it all.
Perhaps the private tutor for everything which Aryan himself hired just for me.
Along the years, Aryan has been attentive to my needs, provide for me not only a comfortable life but with good rooms that enable me to be separated from my grandmother, tons of fabric for me to make dresses including bought dresses from expensive boutiques in Centralia.
Of course that didnt go well with most of the girls living here since they were prepped to be sold while I am still here and 18.
2 years late but, I'm not complaining. I get to stay with my grandma who is in her 60s and going into h24 70s. It scares me how slow she gets these days. How fragile she was and required her cane 24/7 so being able to stay here with her and assist her with the dress for Dollhouse is a blessing.
"Enjoying the show, dear?"
I turn my body to face the man who had grow along side us.
He is 48 years old this years. Though his brush back hair has few silver hair, he looks like he was still at the prime of his age just from the work outs and healthy routine he apply in his life.
Aryan have good skin despite his scarred face. Tall and oh so intimidating, I had to hold a rail beside me because all the violence I see him did in this manor just flood my brain in an instant.
"A..Aryan? I thought you are in the crowds."
He grinned and walk closer to me. " I was but I saw the show start a little late so I have to check, don't I?"
I feel chill run down my spine so I shook my head with tears in my eyes.
"No! No! Everything was alright. It's just that I had to fix Jane's dress for a bit. It... it looks perfect now and I'm sure the guest didnt really notice the .... late."
" Of course they don't. Those perverted bastard are too intoxicated by booze, drugs and beautiful girls. Makes it easier for transaction to happen, don't you think so?"
I just nodded and kept quiet the whole time. Even when he continued speaking.
"An original?"
I nodded again, not answering. I didn't think it would be good for us to do that.
He smiled and walk backwards so he would leaned his back on the wall behind me. Staring at the dancing dolls, he turn back to me and said, "Pretty but, I was hoping you would wear what I provided for you. It was the finest piece of this season, the designer told me. I'm sure the yellow tone would look perfect against your milky skin."
I stood frozen when his fingers glide down my arms.
"So beautiful. So good."
His body became closer to mine and he tries to kiss me so I put my hand in between us and say,
"Please Aryan..."
He stops in his track and pulls back. Frowning but, smirking at me.
"Please what? Not take the woman who fill my every dreams as my own and let some other bastards takes her?"
"I'm not your woman."
He sighed.
"You haven't, dear. Tell me, why do you think you are still here?"
I frowned "We are almost done with the debt?"
And Aryan replied with a laughter that made me feel slightly ashamed of my situation. Sure my grandmother is indebted to him to be able to live here under his good grace but there was no reasoned to shame me for doing that. It made me angry and sad that I can't do much about it.
"50 grand? It took you two three years to pay 25 grand. Your grandmother is old and barely provide me with any dress. Why should I be paying for her or even cut her debt?"
"I'm working. I'm helping her. The dresses are selling out like crazy so I'm sure my grandmother and I will soon finish our debt and leave this place."
Aryan gasped mockingly. Cupping his chest and look at me "hurt".
"This place? You mean your home, dear? Soon, it will be our home because you are mine. You belong to me."
"Why me?"
He grins. "Is there ever a clear reason why one fall in love?"
Crazy man.
"I doubt you are in love with me, Aryan." I rolled my eyes when I say this.
"Ah, is that so? You seem to know the matters of my heart."
Once again he glides down his fingers along the skin of my arm and when I wanted to brush it away, he grabbed my arm. Causing me to flinched and no choice but to stare back at him.
With the mask, he looks much more intimidating and despite the aging lines around his eyes, she can't deny that Aryan was actually a handsome man. She could probably fall for him as well except his face was a constant nightmare for her since the night he ordered hits on Sarah and Joseph.
"You are precious to me, Lilibeth. Why do you think I shower you with lavish gifts and attention more than I ever do to any of my Dolls. "
"I am an investment then." I gritted angrily but with pinch of nerves.
His lips curves a little. Finding what I say funny.
"Funny term but, no. As I've said, my woman. Hopefully, my bride soon enough."
I almost had panic attack when he brings his body closer to mine and bury his face in my hair. He puts a little pressure on his fingers that was cupping my arm but it only last a minute before he pulls himself back. Letting me go and straighten his coat. Relief wash over me. I almost cry out in joy and before I let him speak or say something to make me stay there much longer, I step back from him.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to prepare the girls for their next outfit."
I didn't wait for his reaction and just walk away like my life was depending on it. I only hear laughter behind me with his voice coldly with twinge of joy replying,
"Just like a future Ringlady."