Ariana stepped into the luxurious boutique alongside Mia, her eyes scanning the rows of elegant gowns displayed on golden racks. The store was bathed in soft lighting, exuding an air of exclusivity. Each dress seemed to shimmer under the chandeliers, from sleek satin to extravagant ball gowns.
Mia clasped her hands together excitedly. "Oh my God, Ariana! This is heaven! We are definitely getting you something that will make everyone's jaws drop at the gala."
Ariana chuckled. "It's just a dress, Mia."
Mia gasped dramatically. "Just a dress? Girl, you're attending a high-profile gala where your ex-boyfriend and your dear cousin will be present. We need a dress that screams power and elegance."
Teddy, hidden inside Ariana's bag, whispered, "Mia has the right idea. I approve."
Ariana rolled her eyes at her two overenthusiastic companions. "Fine, fine. Let's find something, but nothing too over-the-top."
Ariana moved towards a gown. It was an elegant navy-blue gown, sophisticated yet bold exactly what she needed for the gala.
Beside her, Mia twirled in a sparkling rose-gold dress, admiring her reflection.
"I feel like a princess," Mia giggled. "Are you sure I'm allowed to outshine you at the gala?"
Ariana smirked. "I'd be worried, but let's be real...you always shine, Mia."
Mia winked. "And yet, no one will be able to take their eyes off you in that dress. It's like you stepped out of some regal fantasy."
Ariana turned back to the mirror, smoothing her hands over the embroidered details. "That's the idea. I want to make an impact."
"And you will," Mia reassured her. "You'll walk in there looking like the storm before the downfall of your enemies."
Ariana chuckled.
Just as they were about to finalize their choices, a unwelcoming voice filled the air.
"Oh? What a surprise seeing you here, cousin."
Ariana turned to see Sophia standing near the entrance, flanked by her usual entourage. She was dressed in a pale pink dress, the kind that screamed innocence and delicacy. A stark contrast to her real personality. Her friends, Tiffany and Jessica, stood beside her, looking Ariana and Mia up and down with amused expressions.
"Didn't expect to see you in a boutique like this," Tiffany sneered. "Thought you'd be shopping somewhere more… modest."
Mia scoffed, stepping forward. "And I thought you'd be getting your personality from somewhere other than a trash can."
Sophia gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Mia, must you always be so aggressive? We're just making conversation."
Ariana crossed her arms. "And yet, somehow, it always sounds like an insult."
Sophia let out a fake laugh. "Oh, Ariana, you're so sensitive. I was actually going to compliment your dress choice—very… simple."
Ariana smirked, her voice laced with amusement. "And yours is very predictable. Let me guess—soft colors, delicate fabric, all designed to make you look like a fragile little angel?"
Sophia's expression faltered for a brief second, but she quickly recovered. "I just want to make an impression. Unlike some people who fade into the background."
Ariana met her gaze with unwavering confidence. "Oh, don't worry. I'll make quite the impression at the gala."
Sophia's lips curled into a forced smile. "I'm sure you will."
As Ariana turned back to the cashier, she caught Sophia whispering something to her friends, followed by their laughter. Ariana clenched her fists but took a deep breath. Not yet. Let her think she's winning.
Mia grabbed Ariana's arm and whispered, "Let's go before I throw one of these heels at her head."
Ariana chuckled but nodded. "Yeah. We've got better things to do than entertain insecure little girls."
Later that night, Ariana was lounging on her bed, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone when Teddy who had been lounging on her pillows immediately floated toward her, dramatically flapping his tiny wings.
"That was quite the performance today," he said, crossing his tiny arms. "Sophia's fake sweetness is so obvious, I almost feel bad for her."
Ariana snorted. "You and me both."
Teddy did a dramatic spin mid-air. "But enough about that. There's something more important to discuss. It's time for your second task."
Ariana sat up, intrigued. "I'm listening."
Teddy hovered closer. "Your task will take place at the gala. You need to gather information..... important information. Someone at the event knows something valuable about Lucas and Sophia. Something that they don't want you to find out. Your goal is to figure out what it is."
Ariana frowned. "You mean… someone knows their secret?"
Teddy nodded. "Exactly. But it won't just fall into your lap. You'll need to be observant, charming, and strategic. You have to make people talk without them realizing they're revealing anything."
Ariana smirked. "You're telling me to play Sophia's own game against her?"
Teddy grinned mischievously. "Bingo. But with your intelligence, not her cheap tricks."
Ariana leaned back against her pillows, excitement bubbling inside her. This was her chance. Not only to make an impression at the gala but to finally uncover whatever Lucas and Sophia were hiding.
"Game on," she whispered.
And this time, she wouldn't lose.