The next morning, Ella woke up early with plans to make soup. That would last her the entire school week for lunch.
Pulling her long wavy hair back, it really was getting too long and Ella needed to get it cut. Shrugging, no-one saw it, so what was the point? After Ava’s wedding, she planned to ditch the hair spray that dulled her hair and the unflattering black rim glasses that hid her face.
Having finished styling her hair into a tight bun at the back of her head, Ella opened her wardrobe, pausing to look inside. Another thing she would stop herself from doing. She had a tendency to buy unappealing and bulky clothing items.
In order to present herself as Mrs Blackwater, Ella had been gradually buying a few things to refresh her wardrobe throughout the past year. Ella made a face. She didn’t need to clothes for marrying into the Blackmore family now.
She would still need them after Ava got married. Because enough was enough. Once Ava was married, then the time was hers. Nothing would change her mind about that. Ella had put her life on hold for far too long.
Ella swiftly put on jeans and a hunter green knitted jumper so large it could accommodate three of her. Wearing her cosy Taos shoes and carrying her bag.
She departed from her one-bedroom loft apartment situated above a corner shop. With limited space, the bedroom could only accommodate a double bed, but it provided her with a sense of personal space.
It was small, with only a combined kitchen, dining and lounge. The one bedroom with a tiny bathroom leading off it. Three rooms in total. It had one thing going for it. Lots of windows. Making the loft bright and airy. She had painted the walls off-white to give the rooms a feeling of being bigger. Enhancing each room with colourful pillows or a decorative bowl. So it didn’t resemble a hospital.
Ella quickly made her way into town, buying two coffees and chocolate slices along the way. When she arrived at her best friend Emily’s dress shop, Emily was speaking to a customer from behind the counter. “The colour looked amazing on you, and you’ll be the belle of the ball.” Emily exclaimed. As she finished packing up the customers’ purchases and handing the garment bag over.
Emily maintained a stock of her own designs and well-known brands, while also creating custom pieces for special events. Emily had already started working on Ella’s gown for her wedding, but since the wedding got cancelled, she won’t allow Ella to compensate her for the progress made.
With a huge grin, the customer walked out of the store. Emily’s work accomplished that smile on the customer’s face. She had an innate knack for selecting the perfect fabric, style, and colour. That enhanced anyone’s appearance.
“Hi lovely.” Emily said brightly, seeing Ella by the door.
“I bought coffee and your favourite chocolate slice.” Ella held them up to show.
“Oh, you wicked girl, you. But I love you for it.” Em said with a cheeky smile. Well aware of Emily’s fondness for sweets and coffee.
Em had a wicked sweet-tooth and limited herself to only having something in the morning before lunch. Emily’s idea was she had the rest of the day to work it off. Ella didn’t know why her friend worried so much. She didn’t have any excess fat on her body.
“What would you say if I didn’t turn up here with them?” Ella put them on the counter near the till, then handing Em’s hot drink over and handing her a slice of chocolate slice on a napkin the bakery had stuffed in the paper bags with the slices.
“I’d send you straight back to get it, so sue me.” Emily’s grin widened. Taking a sip of the coffee before asking. “So, how was the evil bitch last night?”
Emily and Ella were lifelong friends, and she had a deep hatred for Ava. hating the fact Ella felt the need to change herself to have a quiet life. Ava hadn’t been a nice person at school to anyone.
She had been part of the IT crowd. Total bitch to anyone outside of their group if they were female. Different story with the guys. Unless she deemed them beneath her. They had to be good looking.
“Oh, you know the same. Focused on her wedding and the ball.” Ella told her friend. Ella had had enough of hearing about the wedding. “I will be just glad when it’s all over.”
“You should stop using that product in your hair and embrace your true self instead of hiding behind a facade, instead of waiting.” Em expressed her opinion. It was something she never had reservations about doing. Their communication was always candid.
“I will, once she is married.” Ell promised. They had talked about this before.
A snort escaped Emily. “Do you really think Ava married would make any difference? You have put your life on hold long enough.” Taking a big bite out of her chocolate slice.
“I know you’re right. Just give me time, Emily. I have lived this lie for a long time.” Ella pleaded, looking down. Playing with the lid of her coffee cup. Ella set the cup on the counter and leaned against it.
“Part of it isn’t a lie Ella, you can be shy around people you don’t know. I do not know how you ended up engaged to Stephen.” Em reasoned. grabbing Ella’s hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Stephen and I had a deep connection, but I believe it was primarily a friendship. If there had been more, Ava wouldn’t have been able to take him away so easily.” Ella didn’t feel enough about Stephen to be deeply hurt.
When it had happened, the genuine pain she had felt was by Ava’s actions. This person should have been her perfect match. Her other half. Instead, Ava was the primary source of Ella’s pain throughout her life.
“Still a bitch.” Em snapped. her friend was more than willing to go toe to toe with Ava. It was only Ella that kept her under control.
Ella provided reassurance to her friend. “No really, Emily, she did me a favour. I wasn’t in love. I realised I should have been more hurt and upset.”
“I hate the fact she already acts like the lady of the manor, and now it will only get worse. She will love rubbing everyone’s nose in it. Thank god Andrew was already married.” Em remarked.
It was true, since Ava had shared the news of her wedding with the town. She had been lording it over people. It had been a significant source of embarrassment for Ella.
Everyone knowing that Stephen had been her fiance first. Initially, there were sympathy smiles and awkward silences. Eventually, people moved on. Like she had.
Ell would never be with Stephen again, even if Ava left him for any reason. Everyone her sister had been with was off limits in her mind. She refused to be compared to her sister by any man. Thinking that Stephen would compare them was completely pointless. To begin with, she chose not to sleep with Stephen. Both of them had decided to wait until their wedding night.
The Blackmore family were lovely people. Stephen’s mother would have hated the scandal of Stephen swapping brides. Such old fashion thinking. The Blackmores had a standard to uphold within the community.
“Everyone in the Blackwater family dislikes Ava, except for Stephen.” She informed her friend.
“Not surprised. No woman in Ashwell likes her. Despite being your twin, I’m confident she ended up with the less appealing portions of the egg you both shared.” Emily’s comment wasn’t new, and she had nothing to say to defend Ava. It still brought a smile to Ella’s lips. Some things that came out of Em’s mouth about Ava were truly funny.
“So, have you changed your mind about the ball?” Em steered the conversation towards a different topic.
“No Em, you know I never go.” It just wasn’t Ella’s thing. Plus, the next time she dressed up to go somewhere, she didn’t want to play down her looks. She wanted to be herself. Ella made a promise to herself that when Ava got married, she would unleash her true self. Her aspirations exceeded the current state of her life. Yes, she had done it to start with for a simple life. That was about to end.
“But before bitch troll stole your man, this year you had planned on it.” Em reminded Ella.
“Yes, to help Stephen and be there for him. Now I don’t have to. That’s Ava’s job.” Ella explained. It was true she had planned on attending. For the Blackmores.
“The only person Ava helps is herself. I was hoping we could go together.” Em told her. She pouted at Ella.
“Maybe.......in a few years.” The pout having no sway with her.
“You say that every year. It’s Masquerade. We can make you up, so no one knows who you are. Pretty please.” Em put her hands together in a begging motion.
“I don’t have a dress. Sorry Em.” Ella apologised to Em, took a last sip of her coffee, and wiped her hands clean of any remaining chocolate slice.
“Yes, you do.” As Em took the now empty coffee cups and rubbish. Placing them in a bin behind the long glass display counter.
“What are you talking about?” Ella questioned. She didn’t have a dress worthy of a ball being held at Blackwater Manor. She bought some clothes to update her wardrobe, but not to that extent. No ball gowns. Just casual clothes that fit her body and not dwarf her.
“Your wedding dress. It was almost done. I could dye it and vamp it up to be more sexy.” Emily pointed out. Ella could see her friend was really hopeful she would change her mind. Ella just wanted the next eight weeks over with.
Shaking her head, Ella said, “Sorry, Em, it’s just not my thing.”
Em pouted. “Spoilsport.”
Another customer entered the store after they had been talking for approximately 15 more minutes. Emily’s break had ended, and it was a good time for Ella to leave. Ella stood. “I’ll be off then.” Em hugged her. “Thanks for coming to see me.” Emily had been busy with the ball coming up. Ella hoped they could squeeze in a movie night soon. Ella finished her shopping and made a quick stop at the nearby bakery for some bread to have with her soup. She made a large amount and decided to share some with her parents. Taking a large container from the cupboard, she filled it and then departed from the loft. After storing hers in the fridge. Mother did all the cooking at home now Ella had left home. Taking them some soup would give her a break. Ella didn’t cook every night. Sometimes it was just a case of taking a homemade precooked meal out of the freezer and heating it up. Grabbing a sandwich if she wasn’t that hungry. Choosing to walk, it only took 20 minutes on foot. She bumped into
Emily was left speechless, mouth agape. “You’re serious.” “As a heart attack.” Ella was angry with not just Ava but also with her family for accepting the status quo of Ava’s behaviour. “Not that I’m complaining, but what changed your mind?” “Ava. I don’t want to go into why.” It was explanation enough, Ella thought. “Ok, will you let me get you ready?” Emily didn’t push for more details. Just glad Ella was going. Ella thought for a minute. Why not! If you’re committed to something, you should fully commit. “Yes” Em clapped in excitement. “Ashwell will not know what hit them.” Standing in front of the mirror, Ella was completely taken aback by her reflection. This couldn’t be her. She looked completely different from both her twin sister and her usual self. Ella even shared her feelings with Emily. Which Em had replied there was a difference between class and cheap. Ella had all the class and Ava had all the cheap. Ella couldn’t believe the ball was tonight. After telling Em
Inside the ballroom of Blackwater Manor, Stephen and Ava accompanied Nick. Ava would soon be his friend’s wife. Nick had instantly taken a dislike to the woman. She was rude and self-centred. He had watched how she acted in the absence of Stephen. Marrying this woman would bring about some challenging experiences for his friend. Nick had arrived only yesterday. His intention was to keep a low profile in England for the upcoming weeks. His father was attempting to arrange a marriage between him and his ex sister-in-law. After his brother’s untimely death 8 months ago. The pressure had increased significantly recently, and stumbling upon a naked Sophia in his bed had been the last straw. Sophia was ambitious to be queen one day. After Nick’s brother had passed away, she had easily transferred her interest to him. He was worried she would do something that would tip his hand. Leave him no choice but to marry her or step down. Let the crown go to some cousin. His mother’s presence coul
“Cindy. My name is Cindy.” She said breathlessly. “Smile Cindy, we are about to enter the lion’s den.” He took her hand and led her towards Stephen and Ava. Ella breathed out. She could do this.Would they be able to identify her by her voice? It wasn’t anything like Ava’s. Ava had one of those high pitched girly voices. Ella saw no need to increase her volume so everyone around her could hear everything she said like Ava did.It was too risky to talk normally, just in case. Ella would intentionally pitch her voice lower to keep others from guessing.The decision to use the ball to seek revenge on Ava was a big mistake. She found herself in a position where she had to cooperate with this stranger. Her mind was racing as they reached the other couple.Nick placed his hand on her lower back on her bare skin, making her breath catch. His hand was hot, and it did something to her she hadn’t experienced before. It was all she could do to keep her smile in place when facing Stephen and Av
Ella’s attention was caught by Ava and Stephen as they stood near the edge of the dance floor. She sensed her sister’s extreme anger, and Stephen was discreetly trying to calm her down. Ella had doubts about its effectiveness. It wasn’t just her who was looking towards them - others were, too.“I give that marriage a year at most.”Even though she felt sad by his statement, Ella believed he was likely correct. Stephen will go to great lengths to maintain their unity after marriage, but if Ava continues to embarrass him and his family. There is a possibility that he will have to reconsider.Everyone knew that the Blackwater’s upheld traditions in the community, which were old-fashioned. She knew how Stephen would feel about public scenes or even PDAs (public displays of affection). She was desperately wishing for the prenup to be watertight.“Really, all couples fight Nick. My parents have been together for a long time, but they fight. Rarely grant you.” Looking back at the other coupl
Nick lifted his head, then kissed her quickly on the lips before dropping to his knees in front of her. Slid his mask to the top of his head out of his way, still holding her dress up to her waist. He ran his other hand up her long legs, caressing her smooth skin. She was like silk. Her hands fell to his shoulders, not following his instructions to not move. She cried out.“Shh,” he said before moving forward and placing his mouth against her most intimate part, running his tongue over her silk and lacy underwear. She gasped in surprise, making her other hand grip the back of his head and bringing her up to her toes. Her intoxicating aroma overwhelmed him, arousing his senses. Nick ran his tongue over the damp area on her underwear, a result of her craving for him.She was so responsive, so sensual, and so very sexy. Nick knew there was no way he could leave her now. He had wanted to take her in a bed, not against a gazebo wall in the garden where a party was taking place a few hundre
As they walked back to the manor, Nick led Ella to the side entrance so she could go to the ladies’ bathroom with no observers. She really needed to clean up.“Do you want me to wait here for you or meet you back in the ballroom?” Sliding an arm around her waist, pulling her in close.He had put his mask back in place and, like her, she could only see the lower half of his face. Yet, the sight she beheld during their rendezvous under the moonlight was breathtaking. His eyes were as dark as his hair. With a soft touch, Ella traced her hand along his sculpted jaw. She loved the sensation of his stubble grazing her fingers.“I think we both have been away too long. You go back. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” Leaning in, he kissed her hungrily. Not wanting to let her out of his sight even for a minute.“I’ll be waiting for you. I also think we need to talk before the night is over.” Giving her one last kiss before turning and heading down the stairs to the ballroom.Ella entered the bat
As he ran to the top of the stairs leading to the grounds surrounding the manor and driveway. Nick looked both ways, scanning cars and pathways, looking for Cindy everywhere. Starting down the stairs, he kept looking, hoping to spot her bright hair in the moonlight.He moved at a fast clip down the driveway along the line of cars. He had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, knowing she had run from him. Needing to know what she had heard. Was it just he was a prince?Nick heard footsteps, turning to see Stephen running to catch up to him. “Do you see her? Tate just told me your date has run off.”“No. I can’t find her.” Nick didn’t see any cars start up or lights turn on.“Do you know why she left like that? Phone her. Ask.”“I would if I knew it.”“She was your date. How do you not have her number?”Frustrated, Nick said, “she wasn’t my date. I tried to stop a scene I could see brewing with Ava and I was trying to help. Cindy is a local.”“No way mate, I don’t know a Cindy and I