Ella pov.
Well, here we are, at the moment my stepmother and her daughter have been eagerly awaiting—the time to start getting ready for the grand ball party.
I watch as Lia gazes at herself in the mirror, after I helped her get dressed, applied a light touch of makeup, and adorned her hair with delicate beads.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as I observed her slipping into that exquisite gown, for you see, I don't even possess a garment to wear.
As I silently observe, I witness Elina showering Lia with affectionate compliments, emphasizing how breathtaking she looks. Meanwhile, I am left standing there, an outsider, merely spectating their joyous exchange.
Lowering my head, I attempt to conceal the tears welling up in my eyes, not wanting them to witness my emotional turmoil. I simply don't want them to see me in such a vulnerable state.
"Ella?" I hear my name being called, and a wave of apprehension engulfs me, discouraging me from raising my gaze, dreading that my appearance will betray my inner sorrow. "Ella?" she calls again, her voice resonating with urgency, compelling me to meet her eyes, now clouded with teardrops.
"Oh, mommy, look at her, she is crying," Lisa utters, attempting to mock my vulnerability.
I hastily wipe away the tears staining my face, gazing at both of them, and mustering the strength to speak. "I'm not crying. I just have something in my eye."
Upon hearing my feeble explanation, they both burst into laughter, and the weight of their ridicule becomes unbearable. Turning away, I contemplate retreating, but then Elina's voice resounds, halting me in my tracks.
"Where do you think you're going, Ella? Can't you see that my daughter is preparing for the ball? I cannot allow her dress to be tarnished. You must ensure that not a single stain befalls her gown."
I gaze at my stepmother, briefly contemplating the madness that has consumed her. How am I expected to safeguard a dress that is not on me? How does she anticipate me to shield the one adorning her daughter's delicate form?
I gazed at Elina's radiant visage, then turned my attention back to Lia. The dress must have looked exquisite on her, but I doubted she knew the first thing about maintaining such a garment.
A heavy silence hung in the air, and I refrained from uttering a single word, choosing instead to observe the unfolding scene before me.
The clock's hand finally struck 9 pm, signaling their departure. To my astonishment, a carriage arrived, leaving me dumbfounded. How could my stepmother afford a carriage when she couldn't even hire a maid to assist her daughter with household chores?
As I watched them step into the carriage, my stepmother turned and cast her gaze upon me.
"Apologies for your absence, Ella. I will fill you in on the details upon my return, alright?"
I remained silent, merely returning her gaze. She exuded an aura of pure malevolence, igniting a fiery anger within me. It wasn't until the carriage disappeared into the distance that I managed to regain control of my breathing.
I entered the house and stood there, quietly observing my surroundings. For a brief moment, the tranquility enveloped me, offering a sense of freedom.
After completing most of my remaining chores, I ventured into the backyard, where my mother's grave lay. Overwhelmed with grief, I sat near it, tears streaming down my face.
"I'm deeply sorry, Mom. I failed to become the Cinderella you wished for. I was unable to overcome the bullying and make you proud. Please forgive me."
As I wept at the gravesite, a profound sense of despair washed over me. It felt as though my entire life had been meticulously chronicled within the pages of a book.
In the midst of my sorrow, a gentle hand rested upon my shoulder. Startled, I glanced up and beheld a crowd of sympathetic neighbors, their expressions filled with sorrow.
In a rush, I rose to my feet, surveying each compassionate face before me.
Mrs. Walls approached, holding a crimson dress in her hands. With heartfelt kindness, she handed it to me.
"Dear, I have seen how hardworking you are right from a young age, and I feel heartbroken whenever I witness how you are treated by those who should be kind. Please, Ella, understand that this is the only gift I have, and I want you to take it to the Alpha Son's ball."
As Mrs. Walls hands over the dress to me, I look at her with tears welling up in my eyes, unsure of what to say, but I embrace her warmly.
"Thank you," I whisper.
Just then, Erica walks over to me. Although we haven't been friends, I wonder why she's here.
"Ella," she says, looking down. "I know we haven't been on good terms, but I hope we can make amends now. Please, take my white shoe. I want you to have it and go to the ball."
I accept the shoe, a smile spreading across my face, and I embrace her tightly.
"Thank you," I say once again, accompanied by a smile.
Next, it's Mr. James's turn.
"Ella," he says with a smile. "My wife loved this mask. It was always with her, and it was through this mask that I fell in love with her. I know she's no longer with me, but she would be happy for you to have her mask."
Tears well up in my eyes as I witness his kind gesture. Despite his loss, he continues to move forward, and I hug him tightly, unable to hold back my emotions.
"Thank you," I say to him, my voice choked with tears.
I gaze at them all, feeling a mix of happiness and sorrow, before rushing inside to try on the gifts.
It takes me a few moments to put on the dress, but when I do, I feel radiant in it.
Stepping out, I see Mr. James waiting with his old carriage.
"Come in, Ella. We wouldn't want you to be late," he calls out.
I chuckle, amused by their care, and I step into the carriage. With a sense of anticipation, we set off towards the ball.