It was Saturday — almost noon, technically still morning, but I was in no hurry to move. Weekends were sacred to me. For the past year, I'd made a habit of doing absolutely nothing that involved deadlines, emails, or effort. My weekend ritual was simple: skincare, soft music, maybe a comfort show running in the background, and long chats with Maya.
Today was no different.
I was sprawled on my couch, hair tied up in a satin scrunchie, a cooling clay mask on my face, and my silk robe loosely wrapped around me. My phone was on speaker beside me, Maya's voice filling the room like it always did.
"So," she said, stretching the word, "since Killian still isn't back, do you think you could be my plus-one for the fundraiser tonight?"
I sat up, eyes widening. "Maya, no. You know how I take my weekends seriously."
"I know, I know," she said quickly, "but this isn't just some random party. There'll be investors, fashion executives, and designers — real ones. I need to be there to network and you could make some connections too. This is huge, Han. I can't go alone."
I groaned softly, walking toward my bedroom and grabbing my steamer. "You know I don't like short notice events."
"Hannah," she said, mock gasping, "your job is built on short notice chaos! Be for real."
I laughed, turning off the steamer. "You're annoying."
"That's why you love me," she teased.
I sighed, knowing she'd already won. "Fine, I'll go. When is it again?"
"This evening," she said, and I could hear the grin in her voice.
I blinked. "Tonight? Maya!"
"Relax, it's a classy event — champagne, chandeliers, the whole thing."
"Oh, great," I said, rolling my eyes. "So I have a few hours to look like I belong in a Vogue spread."
"Exactly," she said sweetly.
I smiled despite myself. "Okay, I have to go figure this out. Wish me luck."
"Love you, Hannah Banana — and wash that scary clay mask off before it becomes permanent!"
"Love you too," I said, laughing as she hung up.
---
By late afternoon, my apartment looked like a beauty salon had exploded. Dresses were hanging from my closet doors, makeup brushes covered my vanity, and the scent of my favorite vanilla perfume lingered in the air.
I'd showered, exfoliated, moisturized, and now my hair was sleek and shiny, pulled into a polished low bun. The dress I'd chosen was a fitted red cocktail dress that struck the perfect balance between elegant and bold — the kind of red that turned heads but didn't shout for attention.
I paired it with my black Louboutin heels, a matching Coach purse, and simple silver jewelry. My makeup was soft but glam: glowing skin, rosy cheeks, long lashes, and my favorite Bratz lip combo that made my lips look full and glossy.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror and smiled. The reflection looking back at me felt like a reminder — that even though life was messy, I could still pull myself together and look like I had it all figured out.
---
My phone buzzed on the vanity.
> Maya: Come out! We're here. Hurry, we're late.
I took one last look in the mirror, dabbed perfume behind my ears, grabbed my purse, and locked my front door.
Downstairs, Maya's sleek black SUV waited with her driver already holding the door open. Through the window, I saw her waving excitedly.
I smiled and hurried over.
"Hey, you made it!" she said as I slid into the seat beside her.
"I can't believe you talked me into this," I said, laughing lightly.
"You look beautiful, Hannah Banana," she said, eyes sparkling. "I'm so glad you came."
"Thank you," I said, my voice soft. "I don't even know why I'm nervous."
She reached over and squeezed my hand. "It's just another event, honey. You've got this."
I smiled, though my heart still beat a little too fast. "You look incredible, by the way."
Maya's lips curved into a grin. "You're too sweet."
But she really did.
She was radiant in an emerald-green, ankle-length gown that fit like it was made for her. The fabric shimmered gently as the city lights flickered through the car windows. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft, glossy waves, and her makeup was flawless — subtle, yet powerful.
She had a black fur jacket draped elegantly over her arm, simple diamond studs glinting against her skin, and a delicate diamond necklace resting at her collarbone. Beside her sat a small Dior clutch, perfectly understated.
I smiled to myself. Maya always looked like she'd just walked off a magazine cover — confident, polished, completely in her element.
Meanwhile, I sat there trying to calm my nerves, the hum of the city outside the car soothing in a strange way.
"You okay?" she asked.
"Yeah," I said, exhaling softly. "Just… nervous. This one feels different."
She smiled knowingly. "Maybe because it is."
---
The SUV slowed as we approached the event venue — a grand hotel entrance lit up with warm golden light. Guests in designer gowns and tailored suits glided past the red carpet, champagne flutes in hand. The sound of soft music floated through the evening air.
Maya turned to me. "Ready?"
I nodded, taking a steadying breath. "As ready as I'll ever be."
She grinned, her excitement contagious. "Let's go make an impression."
The driver opened the door, and as I stepped out into the cool evening air, the scent of roses and perfume filled my senses. I straightened my posture, smoothed the front of my dress, and smiled.
I didn't know what the night held, but something told me it was going to be unforgettable.