Months pass by slowly, and I am incredibly anxious. All the time living here and learning from Catherine has been like a security blanket to me. Now I must sink or swim. I am so scared to let her or myself down. I know Catherine is confident this will work, but I have concerns. Growing up, I never allowed myself to be the girl who dreamed of the man who would be my Prince Charming. As I started to grow accustomed to this life, I found myself drifting off into the fairy tale, all the while having to remember this is not a fairy tale, and he may not be Prince Charming. But he is a means to an end. I will never be able to go back, not now, not after experiencing this lifestyle. I will never be hungry or, and dirty again or allow myself to suffer another day! I need to make this work! I had started to forget that life, but now thinking about my past builds me up in a way I thought I lost. The fire returns, love is not important; survival is, period. Bring him on. Even if he is the beast of this story, I will conquer and thrive!

The days drag on, filled with anticipation. I’ve finished with my professor, and my lessons with Catherine have come to an end. She says I’m ready, but as I wait for my birthday, I can’t stop feeling still unsure.

I rise early in the morning. Today is my birthday; I’ve turned twenty-one. I should feel young and excited to get my life started as an official adult, but I feel aged. Aged from my childhood; I was never able to be like the other kids I watched growing up. They always seemed so care-free. I wish I could’ve been more like them. Running around, screaming with abandonment. Instead, I didn’t have the luxury to be care-free. I had to worry if I was going to be able to sleep in my bed at night – or worse yet, the backyard. I had to worry if I was going to be able to find food to put in my aching stomach.

I get out of bed and head towards the bathroom. I look in the mirror, studying the new version of me. The girl looking back at me is refined and educated. I could never have imagined myself like this.

Not wanting to miss a minute of my special day, I hurry, brushing my teeth, jumping in the shower, and dressing with vigor. I leave my bedroom and walk around my apartment, looking at my surroundings. Today, I leave this home. The home I have lived in for almost three years. I am extremely nervous about leaving the only steady home I have ever had. I’ll miss it, knowing I will never return. As tears fall from my eyes, I brush them away. I need to remain strong today, for this is the beginning of the rest of my life.

I hear Vin come into the room I’m standing in. He informs me I should eat breakfast, then he will take me to Catherine’s home, where she awaits my arrival. Vin continues to tell me all my belongings will be packed and brought to my new home.

As I’m driven to Catherine’s place, my mind is in overdrive. The car starts to slow, and I look out the window. I am in awe of the iron gates as we pull up to them. Once they open, we drive through and continue down a long driveway. Finally, I see the house – or should I say the mansion – come into view. It is glorious. Something you would see in historical movies. It is a beautiful reconstructed plantation house two stories high, with large pillars holding up the walk around balcony. It has a curved staircase leading to the second-floor balcony. The windows are tall, leading from the ground to almost the ceiling. It’s as if you could walk through them, as if they are doors. The land it sits on is large and beautifully landscaped, with majestic old oak trees.

As we stop in front of the house, an older gentleman in a black suit opens my door. He introduces himself as Jeffery and informs me he is the butler for the family. He then says he will show me to my room. Quickly, I inquire as to where Catherine is. He tells me she had a prior meeting and would see me soon. I follow Jeffery through the front doors, then stop and stand there, trying to take it all in. I am awestruck with another set of massive, curved staircases on either side of the huge entryway. Underneath the staircase, I can see a vast great room. Beyond that is all glass doors leading to the outside with views that will knock your socks off. To the left side of the entryway is a dining room with a large table running through its entire length. The right side of the entryway seems to be another, smaller living room. Before reaching the steps of the staircase, I can see both sides lead to wide hallways. The flooring is a seamless marble, light in color to show off the dark wood tones in the millwork.

Jeffery smiles at me and asks me to follow him. I’m led upstairs, where there are several doors leading to what I assume are bedrooms.

He stops walking and opens a door. As I walk through, and I’m blown away. My bedroom is a gorgeous; it is so large, I could get lost in it. Beautiful dark hardwoods line the floors. The walls are light and airy. One wall has three sets of French doors leading to an outside balcony. Besides the enormous king-sized bed is also a sitting room. Wow! Everything is monochromatic, in creams and golds. Jeffery then shows me to my private bathroom. Again, it is light and airy. Everything here is modern. There is a walk-in shower with three shower heads. A large claw foot tub sits under a window. Jeffery now leads me to a set of double doors. He opens them; it is a closet made out to be my personal boutique, filled with clothing, shoes, and purses. There is also an island in the middle, filled with accessories and jewelry. One wall has a large mirror that goes from the ceiling to the floor, hanging above is a chandelier to die for.

“Fallon,” I hear Catherine calling my name. “There you are, Fallon. Happy Birthday. I didn’t want to miss your arrival, but I had a meeting that ran a little late.”

As Catherine walks up to me, she gives me a small kiss on each cheek, then she just stands there, looking at me.

“Catherine, thank you for such a beautiful bedroom. I love it.”

“Yes, well I hoped you would like it. But we need to talk.” She walks over and sits on one of the couches. “Fallon, dear, tonight is a special night. I hope you’re confident you’re ready. It’ll be a night you will never forget. I’m hosting a birthday party in your honor, and I have invited a lot of influential people. My sons will also be here. Like I said before, I will introduce you as a friend of the family, but you already know all this. What I need to discuss with you is that my son will be bringing a woman with him.” Rolling her eyes in disdain she continues. “She is a piece of work; her name is Angelle. She’s the daughter of a Senator. Angelle has been after my son for some time. Not to worry, though, she is not for him. She will never do for my son.”

Frustrated, I ask, “How can you say that, Catherine, if he has been dating her for a while? Why would you do all this if you already knew he had someone he was interested in?”

“Fallon, she is not for my son. I will never allow their union, ever! She is nothing more than a pesky spoiled brat. You can easily dispose of her.” Now standing, she goes on. “Remember, Fallon: she is nothing; you are everything. I will admit, her father has helped our causes in business, but that’s all. Tonight, Fallon, you will be the belle of the ball and all eyes will be on you! Including my sons’.” She walks over to me. “Now later today, there will be many people in and out of the house, getting it ready for the party. Do not venture today. This afternoon, I have a team that will be here to assist you in getting ready, and a dress will be delivered. It will be a perfect night.”

“Yes, Catherine.”

“I will see you tonight, my dear. Do try to enjoy it.”

With another kiss on the cheek, she leaves me.

I plop down on the sofa. Now I must worry about his affection towards another. I can’t believe she never told me about this woman. How am I to do this? Plus, the party’s tonight, and I haven’t even had any time to get used to my new surroundings.

I lay back, frustrated, trying to relax. At some point I must’ve fallen asleep, because I’m awakened by loud noises coming from downstairs. Now there’s a knock on my door...what time is it?

“Come in.”

“Hello, Ms. Fallon. I’m Bridgette. We’re here to get you ready for tonight. I hope this isn’t a bad time?”

“Not at all. Please come in.”

Bridgette walks in with two other women. They roll in two suitcases, and one of them is carrying a long garment bag, which I presume is my dress.

Bridgette asks, “Ms. Fallon, we will set up in your bathroom if that is okay with you?”

“Yes, please. Feel free to do what you need. I am happy you all are here. I could use all the help I can get.”

“I don’t see how you can think that. You’re already a very beautiful woman, if I may say so.”

“Thank you, Bridgette.”

For hours, I am dolled up. My hair is freshly glazed, and my body goes through the pain of waxing, which I may never get used to. Then my makeup is flawlessly applied.

After all the torturing, I’m able to look at myself in the mirror. My hair has grown longer over the years since meeting Catherine. It’s almost to my waist in full bouncy waves. The makeup has been applied in a manner that allows my natural glow to shine through. My eyes are done in a way that draws you into the pale green coloring. I look beautiful.

Bridgette tells me it’s now time to dress. She assists me with my lingerie, which has been laid out. It’s a lace one-piece strapless, high hip thong corset, but without all the ties. Once it is on, I look in the full-length mirror, seeing it makes my body look like an hourglass. It pushes my full breast up to accentuate my cleavage. The garment bag is then opened, and a beautiful deep peacock blue color is revealed. Bridgette helps me into it. It’s strapless, with a heart-shaped top that has rouging on the bodice to make my body look taut and tight. It also shows a perfect amount of round cleavage. At my hips, the dress flows into many thin layers. They’re cut into wavy length strips that go all the way down my legs. The slits allow for the entirety of my legs to be exposed as I walk. I pair the dress with silver four-inch strap stilettos.

Once Bridgette and her team are finished packing, she tells me she enjoyed our time and hopes I have a wonderful evening. She also gives me her card and tells me to call her anytime.

I’m left alone now and can’t help staring at myself; there is no recognition of the girl I once was. The woman who looks back at me is exactly how Catherine said I would be. Beautiful and confident, and now I feel it. My eyes veer off to the side, and I see Catherine watching me. She starts to walk towards me. She is stunning, with a full black skirt going all the way to the floor, paired with a white sheer-like top. The top has long sleeves that billow out and end at her wrist with diamond cufflinks. Her blonde hair is up in a twist. She is simply stunning.

“Fallon, you look remarkable! I have something for you.”

She proceeds to open a velvet jewelry bag. She brings out a stunning diamond choker and matching earrings.

“You will wear these tonight. My husband gave me this set years ago. I think they will be the perfect accessories for your dress.”

Oh my God! “I can’t! Catherine, it’s too much. I couldn’t possibly wear this.”

“You can, and you will, my dear. You will be like the daughter I never had. One day, all my beautiful things will be passed down to all my daughters-in-law.” She lays them in my hand and says, “Please, allow me to enjoy this.”

“I’m sorry, Catherine. I just never wore anything so beautiful. I never meant to come off ungrateful. I love them. Thank you!”

“Don’t worry, child. They are yours. Enjoy them.” She then changes the subject. “You will wait for a while, then make a grand appearance. I’ll send Jeffery to fetch you when it’s time.”

“Thank you again, Catherine, for everything. I’m not sure how this will play out, but I want you to know I appreciate all you have done for me. I mean that. I just want you to be proud of me.”

“I am, dear, don’t worry. I already know things will work out in our favor. Remember your lessons, and you’ll be fine. I will see you in a bit. I have to greet our guests.”

I wave for her to stop. “Oh, Catherine, one question: do your sons live here with you?”

“No, dear, they don’t. My sons are grown men, but they do come to stay when it’s needed, and they’re always welcomed. Now, I must go. I don’t want to be an ungracious host.”