CHAPTER TWO

A ball to remember.

As Ava found herself teetering on the edge of a fall, a hand reached out to save her from certain disaster. Her eyes widened as she beheld the man who had become her unlikely savior. He was a vision of striking handsomeness, his dark hair perfectly tousled, and his features chiseled as if sculpted by a master artist. At that moment, Ava couldn't help but believe he was an angel sent to rescue her.

Their eyes met, and a jolt of electricity seemed to course through her veins. The stranger's voice, smooth and velvety, cut through the chaos around them. "Are you alright?" he asked, genuine concern lacing his words.

Ava's heart skipped a beat, her breath caught in her throat. She found herself momentarily lost for words, her mind swirling with a heady mixture of surprise, gratitude, and an inexplicable attraction. "I-I'm fine," she managed to stutter, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taking a moment to steady herself, Ava and the stranger carefully composed their disheveled appearance. The encounter had left an indelible mark on both of them, a thread of connection woven between their fates. As they straightened their clothes and regained their composure, Ava couldn't help but steal glances at the enigmatic man beside her, his presence commanding her attention.

However, their moment of respite was short-lived. The abrupt sound of Victoria's hysteric yell shattered the tranquility, jolting Ava back to the harsh reality of their surroundings. 

“You have bad customer service! You dare to shout at your customer?! I am so going to report you to the authorities and have this shop close down” Victoria, in her typical melodramatic fashion, accused Ava. She turned and left her companion rushed to her side, panic etched across his face as he followed Victoria's lead.

As Victoria stormed out of the shop, her shrill voice echoing in the air, Ava steadied herself, her gaze fixed on the retreating figures.

Ava stepped through the front door of her opulent family mansion, a mixture of weariness and trepidation lingering in her heart. The air seemed heavy with anticipation, as if the walls themselves held secrets and unspoken expectations. Her gaze briefly swept across the grand foyer, its elegant chandeliers casting a warm glow upon the marble floors.

Before she could fully take in her surroundings, her mother's voice pierced through the silence, carrying a mix of frustration and disappointment.

"Finally, you're home, Ava," her mother exclaimed, her tone laced with irritation. "I've been waiting for ages to talk to you. Do you have any idea what the papers are saying? You're becoming a laughingstock, and it reflects poorly on our family!"

Ava's shoulders slumped slightly as she braced herself for yet another tirade from her mother. It was a familiar routine, one she had endured countless times before. She took a deep breath, summoning her inner strength as she prepared to face the storm.

"Mother, I've told you before. Those tabloids twist everything," Ava responded calmly, her voice tinged with a touch of weariness. "Their stories are nothing more than gossip and exaggerations."

Her mother's disapproving gaze bore into Ava, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and frustration. "Ava, you must understand the importance of reputation in our society. How can you expect to find a suitable match when you're constantly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons?"

Ava's brows furrowed, a flicker of defiance igniting within her. "Mother, love and true connection cannot be dictated by societal expectations or rumors in the tabloids. I refuse to settle for anything less than genuine affection and understanding."

Her mother sighed deeply, her tone softening slightly. "Ava, I only want what's best for you. You deserve happiness and stability. That's why I have some news to share."

Curiosity sparked within Ava's eyes as she listened intently, her apprehension momentarily forgotten. "What news, Mother?"

With a glimmer of excitement, her mother revealed, "We have been invited to the annual ball, Ava. It's an exclusive event held once a year, and this is the first time our family has received an invitation. It's a chance for you to meet eligible bachelors and make a lasting impression. This could be a turning point for you, my dear."

Ava's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the ball. It held a certain allure, a hint of possibility she couldn't ignore.

Silence hung in the air as Ava contemplated her mother's words, the weight of expectation settling upon her shoulders.

Ava stood before the full-length mirror in her spacious bedroom, her brows furrowed as she scrutinized her reflection. Doubt and uncertainty swirled within her, casting shadows upon her hopes for the upcoming ball. Could it be true? Had her family truly received an invitation to the prestigious event?

Her mother, Mrs. Sinclair, entered the room, her steps graceful and purposeful. A glimmer of excitement danced in her eyes, a stark contrast to Ava's lingering skepticism. She approached Ava, a delicate box in her hands, adorned with a velvet ribbon.

"Ava, my dear, you must trust me on this," her mother urged, a hint of anticipation coloring her voice. "We have indeed received an invitation to the Queen's Ball. It's an honor bestowed upon only a select few."

Ava's gaze flickered between her mother and the mysterious box, uncertainty etched upon her features. "But Mother, are we truly of such standing? The Queen's Ball is a grand affair, reserved for the most prominent families. We are comfortable, yes, but not among the elite."

Mrs. Sinclair's expression softened, her voice filled with reassurance. "My darling Ava, we may not belong to the upper echelons, but our family's prominence in business and society has earned us this invitation. It is a chance for us to further elevate our status and make connections that will secure our place among the elite."

Ava's doubts began to wane, replaced by a glimmer of anticipation that mirrored her mother's. The allure of the ball and the possibility it held began to seep into her thoughts, despite her reservations. She leaned closer to her mother, curiosity piqued.

"And the dress, Mother? You mentioned a dress," Ava inquired, her voice tinged with both excitement and apprehension.

A smile played upon her mother's lips as she gently opened the box, revealing an exquisite gown nestled within layers of tissue paper. The dress shimmered in the soft glow of the room, its intricate beading and flowing silhouette a testament to its elegance.

"I commissioned this dress for you, Ava. It was designed by one of the finest couturiers in London," her mother explained, her voice filled with pride. "You deserve to shine, my dear, to make a lasting impression on those who will be in attendance. This dress will help you do just that."

Ava's eyes widened with a mixture of awe and gratitude. She reached out, running her fingers lightly over the delicate fabric, feeling a sense of anticipation building within her. As doubts melted away, replaced by a glimmer of hope, Ava realized that the Queen's Ball held the potential to change her life in ways she had never imagined.

****

Ava stepped out of the elegant carriage, her heart aflutter with anticipation as she approached the grand entrance of the ballroom. The night was alive with an air of enchantment, as though a veil of magic had been cast upon the surroundings. Gas lamps illuminated the path, casting a soft glow on the guests as they arrived.

Her gown, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, hugged her curves in all the right places. The delicate fabric shimmered with every step, its silvery hue capturing the radiance of the chandeliers that adorned the ballroom. The dress was a symphony of elegance, with intricate lacework adorning the bodice and a flowing skirt that whispered of fairy tales and dreams.

As Ava made her way into the ballroom, she felt a mix of awe and trepidation. The scene before her was a spectacle to behold. The room was aglow with a sea of shimmering gowns and dashing tuxedos, accompanied by the melodies of a live orchestra. Laughter and whispers floated through the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and intrigue.

Her eyes scanned the room, searching for familiar faces. And there, amidst the sea of elegantly dressed guests, she spotted Victoria Harrington, a woman who had always managed to find joy in belittling and mocking her. Ava's jaw tightened with resolve as she watched Victoria step closer. 

With each step closer, Ava could feel Victoria's eyes on her, a smugness radiating from her every pore. Ava refused to be intimidated. As she reached Victoria's side, she summoned her inner strength and met her gaze with a calm yet defiant look.

“Well, I never expected you to be here. Did you actually find a way to go sleep with someone of importance?” Victoria said, the people behind her laughing. 

"Victoria," Ava began, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of disdain. "It seems you can't resist making a mockery of others, can you? But remember, dear, you may have your conquests, but they are merely stepping stones on a path to your own insecurity. Second best is all you'll ever be."

Victoria's face contorted with rage, her eyes narrowing as she prepared to launch a biting retort. But before she could utter a word, fate intervened. As Ava turned to walk away, a sudden rip tore through the air, causing heads to turn and whispers to ripple through the crowd.

A gasp escaped Ava's lips as she felt the fabric of her gown give way. She instinctively placed her hand over the torn section, desperately trying to salvage her dignity. 

“Oh my God! We can see her underwear”