The evening arrived quicker than Lilia had anticipated. She and Sabrina sat in front of large vanity mirrors as two different makeup artists and hair designers worked on them. Their fingers moved deftly, ensuring every detail was perfect—from the smallest flick of eyeliner to the intricate styling of their hair.
The room was quiet except for the occasional rustle of brushes, the soft hiss of hair sprays, and the faint hum of background music. The silence was comfortable at first, but it became heavier with every passing second, until Sabrina, true to her nature, broke it.
"Wow, I'm beautiful with or without makeup," she said smugly, tilting her head to admire her reflection in the mirror. She then glanced at the makeup artist working on her, waiting for validation. The artist gave a polite nod, her expression remaining neutral, but her hands moved skillfully, as if the comment had barely registered.
Lilia kept her gaze fixed on her lap. She wasn't in the mood for Sabrina's usual self-praise. As the makeup artist working on Sabrina continued her work, she finally spoke, her tone light yet deliberate.
"Yes, your face is good for makeup," she said with a small smile, "but your sister—" She glanced briefly at Lilia. "She doesn't even need makeup at all. Her skin is flawless, and her features are naturally beautiful."
The other artist, who was focused on perfecting Lilia's look, nodded in agreement. "That's true. Honestly, I barely need to do anything here. She's stunning as is."
Lilia's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and shyness, the compliment catching her off guard, especially since she rarely received one. Compliments, when directed her way, always felt foreign—like they weren't truly meant for her but simply misplaced.
Sabrina's jaw tightened at the makeup artist's words, her smile wavering for a fleeting moment before she forced a smirk. It was the kind of expression that didn't quite reach her eyes, as though she were trying to suppress a bitter retort.
"That's enough," Sabrina said sharply, her voice cutting through the air with a quiet but firm tone. "I need silence."
The two makeup artists exchanged brief, uncertain glances, their hands pausing momentarily as if caught in the middle of a delicate dance. Without a word, they resumed their tasks, their movements suddenly more measured, their focus entirely on their work.
Lilia sat stiffly, her posture straight and tense as the process continued. Her hands were folded tightly in her lap, fingers digging into the fabric of her dress as though she were bracing herself. Each brushstroke, every tug on her hair, felt mechanical, distant—like she was a doll being prepared for display, not a person with thoughts and emotions.
She didn't know what the night had in store, but an ominous feeling settled deep in her chest. The weight of expectations loomed over her like a shadow, pressing down relentlessly.
Finally, the makeup artists stepped back, bowing respectfully. One of them spoke up, her voice soft yet professional. "We're finished. Your hair and makeup are complete."
Lilia and Sabrina rose from their chairs. Their reflections in the mirror were flawless—too flawless, almost unnatural. Sabrina's lips curled into a satisfied smile as she turned her head side to side, admiring her appearance. Lilia, however, barely glanced at herself. The night wasn't about how she looked; it was about surviving whatever lay ahead.
Without a word, they moved to the adjoining room, where their gowns had been laid out. The dresses were works of art, each custom-designed to reflect their wearers' personalities.
Lilia's dress was a deep royal blue that radiated elegance. The fabric shimmered faintly under the soft lights, and the dress hugged her figure modestly, with just enough detail to make it captivating. A slit on the side stopped just above her knee, offering a glimpse of her toned leg, while delicate diamond embellishments at the waist caught the light beautifully. Small cutouts on either side of the gown hinted at her skin, adding a modern touch, though they made her feel slightly exposed.
Her accessories were understated but stunning—a silver necklace and matching earrings that complemented her dress perfectly. Finally, a royal blue and lavender mask, adorned with intricate designs, covered the upper half of her face. The mask added a sense of mystery to her look, amplifying her quiet grace.
Sabrina's gown was the polar opposite. Bold and vibrant, the bright red fabric was designed to demand attention. The one-shoulder design revealed a generous amount of her cleavage, and the twin slits on either side of the skirt made every step she took a statement. She had personally overseen the tailoring process, ensuring the gown would highlight her curves in all the right places. Her accessories were equally striking—gold earrings, a matching bracelet, and a bright red purse adorned with bold gold accents.
"Perfect," Sabrina said, spinning once to admire the way the fabric swirled around her legs.
Lilia said nothing, adjusting her mask as she picked up her subtle royal blue clutch, which sparkled faintly with tiny silver embellishments. She tucked her phone neatly inside, her movements slow and deliberate. She could feel Sabrina's gaze on her, but she didn't look up.
Their mother appeared moments later, her commanding presence filling the room. She wore a deep burgundy gown that radiated authority and poise, paired with a mask that matched her outfit seamlessly. Their father followed behind her, dressed in a burgundy suit that complemented his wife's attire.
"Let's go," their mother said curtly, not bothering to comment on their appearances.
The family moved as a unit toward the sleek black car waiting for them outside. The vehicle was nothing short of luxurious, its elongated body glinting under the dim lights of the driveway. Inside, the seating was arranged differently from a typical car; side-facing seats in the back created an open, spacious area for them. Lilia and Sabrina sat across from their parents, the silence in the car heavy with unspoken tensions.
As the car began its smooth journey, Lilia adjusted her gown uncomfortably. The diamond at her waist sparkled under the dim interior lights, catching her eye. She stole a glance at her mother, who was wearing an uncharacteristically soft expression. It was rare to see her smile, and Lilia couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with the night's significance.
Was all this effort for her? Or was there something bigger at play?
"Mom," Sabrina's voice broke the silence, her tone casual but laced with curiosity, "we're supposed to keep our masks on until midnight, right?"
Her mother nodded, her expression unreadable behind her mask. "Yes. And Lilia," she said sharply, her tone cutting through the air like a blade, "make sure to behave yourself. Act properly, and don't do anything that might embarrass us."
Lilia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, the harsh words stinging even though she had grown used to them. She stared at her mother for a moment, her expression unreadable, before lowering her gaze to her hands.
Their mother's tone softened slightly as she continued, "There's someone I'd like to introduce you to tonight."
Sabrina turned her head sharply, her curiosity piqued. "Who are you introducing Lilia to?" she asked, her voice tinged with jealousy.
Lilia's own surprise mirrored Sabrina's, though she kept her face neutral. Who could her mother possibly want her to meet?
Their mother glanced briefly at Sabrina but didn't indulge her questioning. Instead, she answered vaguely, "You'll see when we get there. Just remember to behave."
She turned back to Lilia, her sharp gaze cutting through the dim light. "Lilia, your usual stupid attitude—you'd better keep it in check for tonight. It won't kill you to act properly for a few hours. Do you hear me?"
Lilia's lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded silently.
Their mother's attention shifted back to Sabrina, her tone softening again. "And as for you, Sabrina, there's someone I'll be introducing you to as well. But right now, Lilia's matter is more important."
Sabrina bit her lower lip hard, her hands curling into fists in her lap. The tension in the car was palpable, each passenger lost in their own thoughts. For Lilia, the night ahead loomed like a dark storm cloud, shrouded in uncertainty and dread. For Sabrina, it was a bitter pill to swallow—her usual spotlight threatened by her sister.
And for their mother, it was clear that tonight was more than just a family outing. It was a night that could shape their futures.