Mirabelle stepped into the polished glass doors of the Hong Community real estate agency, taking a steady breath. She was aware that Hong Community wasn't just any place to live. It was the height of luxury in the city, and only the wealthiest could even dream of calling it home. And that made this visit a key step in her plan.
A polished receptionist greeted her warmly and directed her to one of the sales agents, a girl in her early twenties with sleek black hair and a warm smile. "Welcome, Miss Winston. I'm Tara, and I'll be happy to assist you today. You're looking to purchase a property?"
"Yes," Mirabelle replied, standing tall. "I'm interested in something private, but with access to the best amenities."
Tara nodded, reaching for a glossy catalog on her desk. She flipped it open and started to show Mirabelle options, pointing to beautifully designed houses with lush gardens, private pools, and stunning city views. Each photo seemed more luxurious than the last, and Mirabelle felt a flicker of excitement. She couldn't deny that owning a home like this would be satisfying.
As Tara went through the catalog, another sales agent nearby paused in her work, glancing up. With a raised eyebrow, she folded her arms and watched them, a look of amusement forming on her lips.
"So," the woman said loudly enough for them to hear, "are we sure she can actually afford one of these? These are Hong Community properties, not your regular high-end houses."
Mirabelle stiffened, but Tara tried to defuse the situation with a polite smile. "Ava, please, we're with a client."
Ava gave a little shrug, her eyes sweeping over Mirabelle's simple attire. "I'm just saying, it'd be a waste of time to go through all that if… well, you know how it is. These homes aren't for everyone."
Mirabelle could feel Ava's words dripping with condescension, but she kept her face carefully neutral. You're playing with the wrong person, she thought, though she chose to ignore Ava. She'd dealt with worse in her family alone.
She looked back at Tara, who seemed embarrassed. "I'd like to see your best properties, please," she said firmly, her voice steady.
Tara smiled, quickly flipping to a different section. "Of course, Miss Winston. Here we have some of our most exclusive options. These homes offer incredible privacy, as well as top-tier security, and even the rare, first-class properties within the Hong Community itself."
Mirabelle's gaze fell upon a particular property. The house was breathtaking, with sprawling grounds and a design that was both elegant and modern. The pool overlooked a beautiful, landscaped garden, and there were large glass windows that allowed for ample light. It was just the kind of home she could imagine herself in.
"This one," she said, pointing to the house.
Ava, who had been listening with her arms folded, let out a scoff. "That's one of our first-class properties. It's nearly two hundred million," she said, her eyes glinting with a mix of mockery and disbelief. "Are you sure you want to aim that high?"
Tara's face flushed, and she cleared her throat awkwardly, while Mirabelle locked eyes with Ava.
Mirabelle's expression remained calm. "Yes," she said, her voice as smooth as silk. "I am sure. I'll take it."
Ava's brows shot up. She looked from Mirabelle to Tara, a skeptical smirk dancing on her lips. "Right," she drawled. "Well, there's no harm in dreaming."
Ignoring her, Mirabelle turned to Tara. "I'd like to proceed with the purchase, please. Can we arrange the paperwork?"
Tara blinked in surprise but nodded quickly, catching the determination in Mirabelle's expression. "Yes, of course. Let's step into my office, and I'll pull up the paperwork."
As they walked away, Mirabelle could feel Ava's disbelieving gaze on her, but she refused to look back. Once inside the office, Tara pulled out a stack of forms.
"I just need you to fill out a few details here, and I'll explain the terms of the purchase," she said, handing Mirabelle a pen.
As Mirabelle filled out the necessary information, Tara glanced at her cautiously. "I apologize for my colleague's behavior. That was completely uncalled for."
"Not your fault," Mirabelle replied, her focus on the form. "She's nothing I can't handle."
Tara gave her a small smile, visibly impressed by Mirabelle's composure. "Most people find Hong Community… quite intimidating. But you seem perfectly at ease."
Mirabelle looked up, her eyes cool but amused. "After the life I've lived, few things intimidate me anymore."
Tara chuckled, nodding in understanding. Once Mirabelle completed the forms, Tara pushed a contract across the desk. "This outlines the purchase agreement. If you're satisfied with the terms, you can sign here, and we can finalize the payment."
Mirabelle scanned the document, making sure everything was in order, then signed her name with a flourish.
Tara took the signed forms, her professional demeanor intact, though she couldn't hide a note of admiration. "Now, as for the payment—"
Mirabelle handed over her account details for the transaction. Within moments, the funds transferred successfully, and the payment was confirmed. Tara's eyes widened when she saw the amount go through smoothly, her surprise unmistakable.
Meanwhile, a few of the other staff in the office had begun to notice, whispering amongst themselves as the transaction finalized. Even Ava, who'd been watching from her desk, had her mouth slightly open in shock.
Tara recovered quickly, offering a polite smile as she slid the deed across the desk to Mirabelle. "Congratulations, Miss Winston. The house is officially yours. You'll be able to move in within a week, once the final preparations are made."
Mirabelle nodded, her heart swelling with satisfaction. She finally had something that was hers, a piece of stability she could build on.
Tara stood and extended her hand. "Thank you for choosing us, Miss Winston. I hope your new home brings you everything you're hoping for."
Mirabelle shook her hand firmly. "Thank you, Tara. I'm sure it will."
As Mirabelle turned to leave, she noticed Ava standing by the door, her expression still one of shock and grudging admiration.
Mirabelle paused, giving her a level look. "It seems your assumptions about me were a little… premature."
Ava's cheeks flushed, and she forced an uncomfortable smile. "I, um… I apologize if I came off as—"
"No need," Mirabelle interrupted, her tone cold but controlled. "I just hope you've learned that you shouldn't underestimate people based on appearances."
Ava swallowed, managing a tight nod. "Right. Of course."
With a final, polite nod to Tara, Mirabelle walked out of the office, her heels clicking against the polished floor, leaving Ava and the rest of the staff watching her in awe.
Outside, she took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill her lungs. She felt victorious, even liberated. This wasn't just about buying a house; it was a statement, a reclaiming of power that had once been taken from her.
A week from now, she would step into her own home, a place where she could lay the groundwork for her plans. She could imagine the peace, the quiet, and the privacy—a stark contrast to the constant drama at her father's estate.
Mirabelle flagged down a cab and slid into the backseat, an excited energy pulsing through her. She gave the driver her grandparents' address and settled in, reaching for her phone to call Lucas. Her mind drifted to the evening ahead, replaying every possible scenario, every question she wanted to ask. Would he be as ruthless as they said? Why would someone like him agree to a marriage proposal, and to her, of all people?
The ringing in her ear cut off as Lucas answered, his voice bright and familiar.
"Hey, girl! Are you ready?" Lucas's enthusiasm was infectious, and she felt a smile creep onto her face.
"Hi, Luke. Yes, I am. I'll send you the address now. I'll be expecting you soon."
"No problem, I'm already on my way," he assured her.
Mirabelle ended the call, a small sigh escaping her lips. Lucas's confidence was reassuring, like a lifeline, grounding her in the whirlwind of uncertainty that was her life right now. Tonight's dinner with him—the man she was supposed to marry—felt like the threshold to a new reality. If he was as ruthless in business as the internet claimed, why would he even consider marriage? Especially with someone like her, practically a stranger. There was only one way to find out, and that was to go into this evening as her most confident, unshakable self.
The cab pulled to a stop in front of her grandparents' modest house. Stepping out, she spotted Lucas by the gate, dressed as fashionably as ever. He was a sight to see, even in the quiet suburb. His orange flannel shirt and matching trousers were stylishly bold, and his gold-rimmed glasses caught the late afternoon light. In one hand, he held a box with a designer logo and a garment bag over his other arm.
Mirabelle approached him, raising an eyebrow. "You didn't have to bring a dress—I told you I already had one!"
Lucas pulled her into a tight hug, laughing. "Honey, you know me! I can't leave anything to chance. If we're doing a makeover, I'm going all in. Tonight, you're going to be unforgettable."
She chuckled, feeling a little lighter. "I appreciate it, really."
Although she had only met Lucas yesterday, his carefree style and aura just made them closer.
As they walked toward the house, the scent of something warm and sweet filled the air. Mirabelle spotted her grandmother, Susan, moving about in the kitchen, humming to herself. The older woman looked up, her face lighting up when she saw Mirabelle enter.
"Belle, dear! You're back." She took in Lucas with a curious smile. "And who's this fashionable young man?"
Mirabelle stepped forward, smiling fondly. "This is Lucas, my friend. He's here to help me get ready for my evening."
Susan gave Lucas an approving nod. "Well, I'm glad to see someone so dedicated to my Belle." She glanced knowingly at Mirabelle, giving her a supportive squeeze on the shoulder. Mirabelle's grandfather, Logan, had already told her about Mirabelle's plans for the evening, and though she was a bit concerned, she knew her granddaughter had a good head on her shoulders.
Lucas leaned toward Susan with a charming grin. "Mrs. Langley, thank you for welcoming me. You're a vision of hospitality!"
"Oh, such a charmer," Susan laughed, waving him off before turning back to her baking.
Mirabelle led Lucas upstairs to her room, a familiar space filled with her childhood mementos, framed photos, and neatly arranged books on a shelf. She always found a sense of peace here, and she was glad for the calm it brought her today.
Lucas set the garment bag on the bed, carefully unzipping it to reveal a shimmering navy blue dress, embroidered with delicate silver thread. "I know you have a dress, but just look at this. Isn't it perfect?"
She stared at it, the craftsmanship mesmerizing. "It's beautiful, Luke. But really, you didn't have to go this far."
He brushed her protest off with a wave of his hand. "Oh, please. I'd do anything to see you shine. Tonight's big, and we're going all out!"
Just then, her grandmother came up, carrying a tray piled high with freshly baked cookies and muffins. "I thought you two might need a little snack," she said with a wink. "Can't have you working on an empty stomach."
Lucas's eyes lit up as he reached for a cookie. "Mrs. Langley, you are a gem. These look divine!"
Mirabelle laughed, watching Lucas dive into the refreshments. "Thank you, Grandma. You're spoiling us."
Susan patted her cheek. "Anything for my girl." She gave Lucas a gentle smile before excusing herself, closing the door softly behind her.
Lucas polished off a muffin, then turned to Mirabelle, his expression all business. "Okay, time to work some magic. Sit down, let's start with your makeup."
Mirabelle settled in front of the mirror as Lucas unpacked his kit, laying out brushes, powders, and palettes with the precision of an artist. He started with her foundation, expertly blending it to give her skin a flawless, glowing look.
"So," he began, his tone casual as he worked, "tell me more about tonight. What's this dinner really about?"
She hesitated, watching her own reflection. "Honestly, I'm not sure. It's just… this arrangement, this marriage," she said, struggling to find the right words. "It's strange. He's so powerful, so intense. I've seen his reputation online, but I don't know the man behind it."
Lucas met her gaze in the mirror, his expression empathetic. "You're wondering if he's as cold as they say, aren't you?"
Mirabelle nodded slowly. "Exactly. And why would someone like him even consider marrying me?"
Lucas dusted her cheeks with a hint of blush, giving her a reassuring smile. " Mira. You're stronger than you realize, and anyone would be lucky to see that. Now make sure to be your badass self over this dinner."
His words bolstered her, and she felt a surge of confidence. He moved on to her eyes, carefully blending soft browns and golds that made her eyes pop.
"Look up," he murmured, brushing mascara onto her lashes. When he finished, he took a step back, admiring his handiwork. "You look… ethereal."
Mirabelle glanced at herself in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back. Her eyes sparkled, framed by delicate lashes, and her skin looked luminous. She looked poised and elegant, as if she belonged in a high society world.
"Wow, Luke," she whispered, touched. "Thank you. I feel… ready."
Lucas grinned, grabbing the dress from the garment bag. "Perfect, because we're not done yet. Go try this on."
She took the dress, slipping into the bathroom to change. The navy fabric fit like a glove, and the silver embroidery caught the light with every movement. When she stepped back into the room, Lucas's eyes widened.
"Now that," he said, clapping his hands in delight, "is how you make an entrance. He won't know what hit him."
She laughed, feeling a bit of her anxiety melt away. "I hope you're right."
Lucas came over, gently resting a hand on her shoulder. "Mira, whatever happens tonight, just remember who you are. You're smart, strong, and you don't need anyone's approval. Go in there like you own the room."
She took a deep breath, nodding. "Thank you, Lucas. I don't know what I'd do without you."
He gave her a playful wink. "Lucky for you, you don't have to find out."
Just then, her grandmother knocked, peeking in with a proud smile when she saw Mirabelle. "Oh, Belle, you look stunning. You're ready."
Mirabelle felt a warmth spread through her. Surrounded by love and support, she felt more grounded, more certain. She was ready to meet Erix Smith