Sun Dance was a festive season in October celebrating the wealthiest and most influential people in Estova. Estates hosted families to display gratitude and a unique bond of friendship that evolved among them. Jessica perceived the festival as an opportunity to further strengthen the ties with the Stones, and as such, the first invite was sent to the imperial Stones household. Ties between the two families would be strengthened by her sister's marriage to Antonio. Claudia appeared calm and assured of the situation. Her constant phone calls and messages from Antonio meant they were a match. Darya busied herself with her steady work routine and college classes. She was certain Jessica would not offer a hand in her education, and as such, Darya managed her finances exclusively.
A maid scampered in to deliver a message to Jessica, the Lady of the house. Darya watched with interest while she peered from the balcony, her favourite spot in the whole mansion. Claudia's voice echoed cheerfully, accompanied by a resounding call that sounded like her name. Darya couldn't imagine what difference that made if Claudia's voice was musical. She rushed downstairs to find a pair of blue eyes staring coldly at her.
"What took you so long?" Darya mumbled some words and was cut off by Claudia's announcement.
"I'll be leaving for the Stones mansion today, and you're going with me to attend all my needs," she cracked her knuckles and settled on the sofa. Darya nodded simply. Her mind suddenly rushed to depict her Boss' twisted face if he heard about her absence from work. She would have to plead with Charlie to cover her shift.
"Is something wrong?" Claudia intruded Darya's thoughts. Darya shook her head. "You're not coming with me as a family member but as my attendant," Claudia posited indifferently, suddenly typing furiously on her computer. Darya retreated into her room only to find another surprise awaiting her. Jessica entered her room 13 years ago on the eve of her father's burial. Her powdered face failed to hide her malicious glare.
"Jessica," Darya called, surprised at her steady voice. Her room was at the furthest part of the house, closer to the farms in the backyard. Jessica smiled and offered Darya a sit at the edge of the bed. The latter, faking an amicable composure, settled in silence.
"We've been rivals with the Stones long enough. Anderson continued this phase with them, but we're ending it now. That is why I have called you." Darya noticed the lines of fair wrinkles at the tip of Jessica's brows and lips. Once, she had captivated her father. And whilst he was alive, her despicable attitude toward Darya was silenced, a show of pretence that made Jessica endearing to her poor father. Darya exhaled calmly. Jessica surely had more to tell her than an old brawl that tore two families apart.
"Claudia will be having Sun Dance at Antonio's place," she said casually, overlooking the discomfort in Darya's countenance. Jessica moved toward Darya and smiled maliciously. "The business is falling apart. We're in debts and the only way we can survive is by forming this alliance with the Stones. Save your father's legacy and do everything you can to put Claudia in the best light to that family for your own good."
Darya's eyes sparkled. She cared less about Claudia but her father's legacy, his farms, and estates would never go to destruction. Darya braced herself and blurted calmly, "What's in it for me?" Jessica mused, curling her hair calmly. Her words assured Darya's education and comfort. Darya nodded. That was enough for her. If she had to ensure Antonio fell in love with Claudia to get such a reward, she was ready for it.
Darya gawked inwardly, amazed at the alluring Stones mansion. The garden was trimmed to perfection while the lawn was a lively green. The air was a mixture of fresh scented fruits and baking as Darya stepped into the Stone's homely abode, juggling some of Claudia's boxes. They were to spend a whole week for the celebration at Antonio's family house. The whole contour of the household was beyond Darya's expectations. The Stones had an exclusive taste in selecting household workers and exquisite decorations. The Mansion instilled exclusiveness with a touch of homely touch.
Dianne welcomed the visitors whole heartedly, ushering them into the serene abode. The step-sisters advanced into separate rooms assigned them in preparation for the family dinner which was always the talk of the town. Darya's friendly disposition had earned her a ticket to open conversations with the workers in the mansion. Mary, the head Chef, was haughty with an air of leadership directed the maids in arranging the food items at their appropriate corners.
"Grandma Gabriela will soon arrive", a maid whispered to the others while they dragged in baskets of fresh fruits.
She reminiced on how her father called each worker at the mansion by their names, acknowledging their salience in his household. Anderson would compliment Zaza's cooking and monitor details on the farm without enforcing his title upon them. Perhaps, that was why they workers constantly regarded her father's simplicity and generosity even in death.
Darya searched for a reputable attire and finally succumbed her slender body in a simple collared flowery gown. The whole family would be present and she would be waiting on Claudia.
"Better to look the part", she thought, smoothening the edges of the gown. Her braids were tied up in a simple bun. Plain as she appeared, her long lashes flashed coyly in the mirror. She smiled briefly and went out into Claudia's room. The latter took her time before venturing out of the room in a sequined royal purple gown. Darya smiled, admiring every detail of Claudia's composure blending placidly with her attire. Her neck was adorned with pearls and her long blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders. Darya's mind flashed to Jessica's warning. Her fate would be determined by the success of this union.