"Wow, Miss Julia, you look absolutely stunning! Sir Victor will surely come home to the mansion all the time if he sees you looking this gorgeous!" One of the housemaid exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement. The others nodded in agreement also, their mouths agape, as Julia stepped into the dining room, freshly styled by Victor's chosen artist. The glow of the lights bounced off her polished appearance, almost dazzling them.
One woman nudged her friend, her eyes flicking toward the door as if to silence her. Deep down, they all sensed the tension in the mansion; Victor rarely returned home now. They exchanged knowing glances, pitying Julia, who wore such a forced smile behind her radiant look.
Her smile faltered, and she bit her lip. "Do I really look good in this?" she murmured, her fingers nervously adjusting the fabric of her gown. "Or am I just trying too hard?" Her eyes darted to the floor, avoiding their gaze, a hint of doubt clouding her features.
This was her first time donning a nightgown for an event like this. A knot tightened in her stomach at the thought of Victor's sharp tongue, his words slicing through her like ice. She took a deep breath, wanting desperately to make him proud, to avoid feeling the sting of his disappointment.
The housemaids exchanged surprised glances, eyebrows raised. "Of course, Miss Julia! You're stunning! Like a celebrity!" they chimed cheerfully. "We wish you'd always look this way. Just keep being confident; you shine so brightly!" Their smiles reached their eyes as they admired her, admiration warming the room.
Her lips curled into a smile, a flicker of pride igniting within her. As she caught her reflection in the mirror, she paused, taking in the woman staring back. Gone was the weary look of a struggling wife; instead, she saw the elegant partner of a wealthy businessman. She felt a spark of confidence bloom.
The hairstylist had crafted her long, brown hair into soft curls that framed her face beautifully. Bangs brushed her forehead, while a delicate pearl hairpin gleamed softly. Tiny diamond earrings dangled from her earlobes, sparkling gently and enhancing her elegance, completing her polished look.
The gold satin slip dress kissed her skin, hugging her curves and accentuating her figure. She had always been unsure if this style would suit her height, but the cut was just right. The gown highlighted her smooth arms and chest, balancing the revealing style with an air of decency. Simple yet elegant, it left a lasting impression without any frills.
Julia slipped on her beige ankle strap shoes, the heels a modest three inches. She wobbled slightly, her heart racing at the thought of stumbling. With a small purse in hand—just enough for a quick make-up fix, some cash, and her phone—she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Her make-up was kept light, just a hint of color brightening her face. It felt fresh and clean, adding an elegant touch. A pearl necklace rested gracefully on her neck, Victor bought it for this event, not for her. While the sweet scent of her favorite perfume lingered gently around her, making her feel special.
Staring into the mirror, Julia froze. Who was this beautiful woman? It felt like ages since she'd seen herself like this—back when she was single and carefree. On her wedding day, she had been robbed of her dream look, overshadowed by Victor's mother's side comments, who ultimately didn't even bother to attend their wedding.
Julia shook her head, trying to brush away the memories. Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. She didn't need to look to confirm; it was Victor striding toward her, a familiar presence she had both loved and feared.
The housemaids hastily returned to their tasks, casting quick glances at Victor. They knew better than to linger; his temper was something to avoid. Uneasy whispers followed him, for they all had seen his not-so-pleasant side.
Julia's eyes scanned her husband as he approached, dressed sharply in a white long-sleeve shirt under a crisp black coat. His slacks were impeccably pressed, and his shoes gleamed like polished glass. His hair was sleek and neatly styled, almost defying nature itself, while his face remained flawless, without a hint of imperfection.
Back in their dating days, she would have found him incredibly handsome. But now, under the weight of their troubles, he seemed overly vain. He fussed too much over his looks. Why was she only noticing these traits now, when she had ignored them before?
Victor's gaze traveled over her, appraising her appearance. "Well, you look human today. It's a bit too simple, but I guess it'll do. I won't be embarrassed at the party," he remarked, shrugging slightly as he turned away toward the full-length mirror in the dining area.
A wave of annoyance washed over her. How arrogant he was! She was his wife, yet he couldn't even say she looked beautiful now. Was it really that hard to say? Meanwhile, the people in the mansion had said her beauty shone through.
Julia glanced at the ceiling, her eyes swirling with disbelief as Victor inspected himself in the mirror. He even spun around, checking every angle with a proud smile, as if the mirror was the only thing that mattered.
How could he be so vain!
Just then, Eli's voice rang out, breaking the tension. "Oh my God, Mommy! You're so beautiful!" His eyes sparkled, wide with wonder, amazed at seeing her like this for the first time.
Still rubbing sleep from his eyes, Eli darted over, wrapping his little arms around her leg, his face lighting up with joy. She hadn't expected him to be awake, and his warmth was a welcome surprise.
Julia beamed down at him, running her fingers through his messy hair. "Mommy, you look so beautiful! Like an angel! You and Daddy are leaving now, right?" His innocent excitement made her heart swell.
Victor's tight-lipped face replied for her. "Yes, we're leaving. And you're not coming with us. Don't hug your mommy; you might ruin her gown! Do you have any idea how much I spent on that? I won't let you ruin this night!" His tone snapped like a whip.
A surge of heat rose in Julia's head. He had asked her to come along, hoping for a chance to reconnect, yet here he was, belittling her child in front of her.
Eli's little arms slipped away from her leg as he looked down, a frown creasing his brow. "I-I'm sorry, Mommy, Daddy. It's just… it's the first time I've seen Mommy like this. And she's super beautiful," he stammered, his voice quiet with uncertainty.
"Alright, Eli. Go to your room now. Don't wait for me, we might be home late, okay?" Her voice softened, urging him upstairs to escape Victor's harsh glare, knowing it was better for him.
Victor scoffed at Eli's words, rolling his eyes. "Super beautiful, is she? Hah! With what I spent today, that's all I get? She's nothing next to the women I know in the industry. Your mommy looks so average. The women I know are like celebrities, supermodels, social media stars," he declared, pride bubbling in his voice.
Julia's fists clenched tightly at her sides, anger coursing through her. Why did Victor have to disrespect and belittle her, especially in front of her son? "Eli, go to your room, now," she said firmly to her son.
Eli's brow furrowed, and he shook his head vigorously. "That's not true, Daddy! You're just blind! Mommy is way more beautiful than those women! She's not just pretty; she's a wonderful mommy, a great wife, and a kind person. Are those women you talked about like Mommy, Daddy?" he asked earnestly, a frown still etched on his little face.
Julia noticed Victor's face turning red, the anger simmering beneath the surface. "Eli," she called sharply, urgency filling her tone. "Go to your room. Now!" The command hung heavy in the air, laced with the tension around them.
Eli didn't flinch at her tone, but he nodded and turned away. "Be safe, Mommy, Daddy!" His voice echoed lightly as he rushed up the stairs, his small feet pounding against the steps.
Julia spun around to confront Victor, who stood there, brimming with barely contained rage. "How low can you get, Victor?" she spat, her voice rising. "Talking to my son like that? Do you have to destroy my confidence just to elevate yourself?"
Her frustration spilled over, her voice trembling with emotion. "Your bastard son was being disrespectful! Did you hear how he spoke to me?!"
The housemaids might hear their conversation, but she didn't care who might hear her now.
"Because you didn't respect me at all! If you want to disrespect me, don't do it in front of my child! Of course, he's going to defend me because I'm his mother. And if that's how you see me, then you shouldn't have asked me to come to this damn party. I'm not forcing myself to join. You should have invited the women who meet your unbelievable standards. Why did you choose to bring me? Tell me how much you spent tonight; I'll pay you back, and I won't come!" she shouted angrily.
Victor stormed toward her, fury radiating from his every step. He gripped her chin, squeezing hard enough to draw a whimper from her lips. Pushed back against the wall of the dining room, she struggled for breath. "And now you're talking back! Feeling brave, are we? Is it because you're earning some coins now?" He sneered, "That rude child of yours will pay for this too. But for now, you're coming with me tonight! Everyone expects me, a devoted husband with a perfect loving wife by my side. Don't try to act difficult! I have a businessman to impress, someone who can be my next prospect," he added, an arrogant smirk crossing his face as he let go of her chin.
Julia winced, rubbing her aching chin, grateful that her make-up was waterproof. She felt a wave of frustration—not just from the physical sting, but from Victor's inflated ego. His arrogance was suffocating, making every moment unbearable.
With a heavy heart, she shook her head, trailing behind him as they left the house. Outside, a sleek, shiny limousine waited, glinting even its night. It was amusing to think that after all these years of marriage, this would be her first ride in Victor's prized possession.
A bitter voice in her head sneered, What a beautiful marriage you have, Julia!
"We're heading to Victory Hotel. Faster!" Victor barked at the driver, his tone leaving no room for disagreement.
Julia's heart raced with anxiety. What awaited her at the hotel?
Meanwhile, a tense woman exploded with frustration. "I won't let that cheap woman be with Victor tonight! It should be me by his side!" Her voice was loud, almost frantic, as if she'd lost her grasp on reality.
"Calm down, Iris. You're overreacting. There's always a solution," Evelyn Voss replied, a smile plastered on her face. "Just because you're not with my son now doesn't mean you can't go to this event… right?" Her calm demeanor seemed to irritate Iris even more.
Iris halted mid-motion, turning to face the older woman. "W-What do you mean, Mama?" she stuttered, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
"You need to cut that ambitious Julia's illusion down to size. Go to the party now. Make sure you look your absolute best. I'll take care of the invitation. You have an hour to get ready," she instructed, her tone firm and decisive.
Two pairs of eyes sparkled with excitement. What awaited Julia at this event?