The night of the most anticipated event finally arrived. The air was cooler, and the night had just begun. Excitement emanated all over the streets, and everyone was talking about the event. Cameras lined up along the sidewalks leading to the main entrance, and like a flock of vultures, every journalist was armed, ready to capture the best and talk to the richest. This was an event that could make or break a career. It was every young editor's dream to get an invite to one of the most exclusive and glamorous annual events. Everyone wanted a piece, the fashion police were ready to critic and the gossip channels were camera-ready for all the juicy moments. As expensive cars began to pull up one-by-one, the excitement grew and cameras began flashing in anticipation of whoever was about to step foot onto the laid-out black carpet. Every guest was dressed to impress in their most-priced designer outfits aiming to walk away with that best-dressed label or at least survive to not make it to the worst-dressed section of the tabloids. It was important for the outfit to make a statement, or else even the smallest fashion magazines would just pass on to the next mogul.
The attendees began to ascend to the main entrance wearing their best smiles in the midst of the camera flashing and questions thrown at them. The King family arrived earlier as the hosts to welcome their esteemed guests, well almost all because Linda and Jeremy were delayed.
At the same time, Tony and Teddy pulled up at Maggie's to pick her up, the moment she walked out the door, Tony's face tensed up, shocked by Mggie's gown, 'I think I have seen that gown before...', he thought before turning to Teddy, "Doesn't her dress look familiar? I am sure I have seen it before...did she pick it out herself?"
Teddy nodded politely, "Yes sir, all by herself. She was adamant about it..."
Tony threw his eyes back at her, and nonchalantly said, "It looks so familiar, I can't quite place it but I know I have seen it before...perhaps at the mall. But oh well, I can't complain, It is a beautiful dress and it suits her. I guess my money was not wasted...". Teddy nervously nodded in agreement ignoring the urge to tell him where he may have seen the dress before.
Soon they arrived at the event's venue and Maggie was eager to get out, she couldn't wait to show off her dress and set her plan in motion. And just as she anticipated, all eyes instantly fell on her as soon as she stepped out, the press gasped in surprise while the other attendees chuckled at her. Thinking that people were admiring her, she instantly felt proud of herself and began to arrogantly twirl and pose in front of the cameras. She ascended the stairs with her head held high wearing a proud smile, not paying any attention to whispers and comments. She had everyone talking and pointing at her, and she loved it. She had achieved her goal; to steal the attention away from Linda, she was sure everyone was admiring her and those who were snickering with disgust were just jealous of her beauty and body.
Still in her moment, a commotion suddenly broke out at the driveway drawing everyone's attention back down the stairs, the cameras were now faster and every journalist rushed to the source of all this disturbance. Maggie instantly became angry at whoever was stealing the spotlight from her. The wave of noise slowly approached them, and everyone couldn't wait to see who was causing all the chaos, they didn't have to wonder any longer because they soon beheld a very beautiful sight. Before their eyes, Linda gorgeously and elegantly ascended to the entrance with Jeremy around her arm. Maggie's jaws dropped in shock and disappointment, 'why is she wearing a different dress? Did someone tip her off?' she wondered as she watched Linda and Jeremy lovingly smiling at each other as they strolled up the stairs.
Linda looked heavenly in her lime green mermaid gown that perfectly emphasized her small figure and her curves, giving her an hourglass look, and the long split flawlessly flaunted her smooth long brown leg and showed her 6-inch silver heels. Everyone was in awe of her goddess beauty which was perfectly matched with the handsome man in her arm whose black tuxedo had a touch of green.
"Wow! Ms King! That dress has just captivated the whole hallway and your date is just as good-looking....do you mind giving us a few more snaps...", one of the journalists called out in excitement causing Maggie to erupt in laughter unable to contain her jealousy and envy, "Captivated you said...", she smeared, and everyone instantly turned to her in disbelief,
"Oh wow, she did not just say that? Everyone allowed her to shine even though she is wearing the exact dress Ms. King wore last year, who does think she is? Ruining Ms. King's moment.. and why didn't Tony stop his little Ms. from wearing that dress...", one of the attendees said loud enough for her to hear,
and another one replied, "Tell me about it, that is very arrogant of her...she lacks class. Come to think of it, it is my first time seeing her at this event....".
Upon hearing this, Maggie instantly sank into a dam of embarrassment and shame, she wished she could find a hole to bury herself until it blew over, but it was too late because everyone was now looking at her and the cameras never stopped rolling. The judgmental looks were now clearly visible and the whispers were louder, everyone was openly mocking her.
Tony's face darkened because his name was being rolled in the mud and he suddenly remembered where he saw the dress, "You stupid girl...", he coldly whispered to Maggie, "Why would you embarrass me like this??".
Tony's sternness made her wince in fear, "I am- am sorry, I didn't know. The lady at the shop gave it to me...she said it was the same dress Linda was wearing, I wanted to..."
"And you didn't bother to ask her from which year?..."
"I um, I am sor-"
"Thank goodness it suits you.....because you were going to pay me back every penny. Stay far from me for the rest of the night.", he disgustedly ran his eyes from her head to toes, "All of this could have been avoided if you had just kept your comments to yourself...just zipped it.", he snarled before turning his back on her.
Jeremy called out, "Oh, Uncle Tony...", but Tony was too embarrassed to stay a second longer, his face was red in embarrassment.
Maggie remained frozen hoping the moment would pass. Feeling bad for her, Linda drew closer to her, and smiled warmly, "Maggie, it's been a while...", seeing the dress, Linda couldn't help but recall the call she got from her aunt telling her about the crazy woman who caused chaos at her boutique because she was refused a dress that looked like hers, 'Wow, so the report was true...'.
She smiled and hugged her, "You look really good Maggie...I am glad the dress is getting attention. Is truly a great design and comfortable too, isn't it?"
Unable to stomach the embarrassment from the failure of her plans, Maggie whispered, "This isn't over....You will pay and Jeremy will come back to me".