Reputation

Reina had no inkling of the call that had just taken place and how it would shape her plans for the future. Little did she know that her encounter with Lilith in the midst of a lively party would set off a chain of events that would leave everyone stunned.

As Reina reclined in her chair, savoring the succulent dishes prepared by the remarkable chefs, she couldn't help but notice the lingering gazes directed her way. Celeste, in particular, shot her a piercing glance but decided to keep her distance. 

Her eyes then fell upon Daren, holding a bottle of champagne. A thirst suddenly overcame her, compelling her to join him. Sneaking up behind him, she intended to surprise him with her sudden appearance.

However, her plan was swiftly thwarted by Lana. The protective older sister caught Reina in the act and questioned her intentions. 

"What on earth do you think you're doing, baby sis?" Lana inquired.

Without missing a beat, Reina replied, "You caught me that quickly, Lana? I simply wanted to surprise Daren."

Concern filled Lana's eyes as she warned Reina of the consequences. "Baby love, remember we're at a party. You're attracting quite the spotlight, and Axel seems quite furious."

Unfazed, Reina wore an expression that proclaimed her indifference. "How is it my fault if the bastard's in a bad mood? As long as I don't have to see his face, I'm more than satisfied."

Lana, however, seemed distracted, her hands trembling and a mixture of anger and fear clouding her countenance. "Lana, what's wrong? You appear angry and scared," Reina remarked curiously.

Gathering her thoughts, Lana hesitated before speaking. "Lilith Cedar is right behind you."

"Oh," Reina replied, her smirk widening. Lana was taken aback by Reina's uncharacteristic reaction, her blinking betraying her confusion.

"Haha, Lana, stop blinking like that. You look like a fish out of water," Reina chuckled.

Apologetically, Lana inquired, "Forgive me, baby, but as Reina, don't you feel a love for Axel and hatred towards Lilith?"

The "eww" that escaped Reina's lips echoed with emphatic disgust. "No way! Besides, I only despise Lilith for one reason. As for Axel? I stopped caring about that lowlife the moment I opened my eyes."

Lana persisted, "But..."

Interjecting, Reina teased, "I'll tell you later, hunie. It'll surely dampen your party spirit. I'd rather avoid having dead bodies today."

Reluctantly, Lana conceded, "Fine. But promise me, Reina, be gentle with her."

Reina regarded Lana with a mischievous grin, as if cracking the most hilarious joke. 

***

Lilith's rage knew no bounds as she exclaimed, "Ashlyn, you bitch!"

Without a moment's thought, Lilith grabbed a glass of champagne, its contents cascading all over Reina. The room fell silent, waiting for Reina's response. Would she break down in tears, turn violent, or apologize, as she typically did?

The shock on everyone's faces was palpable as they witnessed Reina's reaction. She calmly turned to Lana and requested, "Do you have a handkerchief, Lana? It seems wine has found its way into my eyes."

Lana, flabbergasted, stammered, "Of course, baby girl."

The crowd marveled at Reina's nonchalant demeanor, a single thought echoing in their minds: "Baby girl?"

Accepting the proffered handkerchief, Reina wiped her face and quipped, "Phew! Thank goodness I didn't wear any makeup. I loathe smudged anything. Daren, honey, could you please pass me the bottle of champagne in your hands?"

Daren snapped out of his daze and handed the bottle to Reina, who grinned and whispered, "Don't interrupt the show, honey."

Approaching Lilith with a mischievous glint in her eyes, Reina taunted, "Oh, are you about to break down and cry, Ashlyn?"

Reina tilted her head with a smirk, reveling in the opportunity to dominate her foe. 

"Cry? Me?" Reina's laughter filled the air. "You're just a pathetic child, throwing tantrums when you can't have what's rightfully yours. Like Axel, for instance!"

Reina chuckled, drawing closer to the stunned Lilith. At 5'9", she towered over the 5'6" Lilith.

Observing Lilith's diminutive stature, Reina couldn't help but taunt, "You know, Lilith, I just noticed something. You're quite small and delicate." 

Indignant, Lilith retorted, "Who are you calling tiny?"

"So, you wouldn't mind if I did this, right?" Reina popped the cork, allowing the champagne to cascade over Lilith's head, saturating her hair and staining her once pristine white dress.

As the red hair dye in Lilith's locks mingled with the champagne, Reina's smirk widened. "Oops! My fingers must have slipped. I must say, though, brown suits you quite well. The combination of red and brown, not so much. It infuriates me that you dare to imitate my natural hair color. Mine is much flashier and prettier."

Unable to contain their amusement any longer, Daren and Lana burst into peals of laughter. Reina grinned at the two, her eyes twinkling with mischief. 

"Come on, big sis, don't break your ribs, and Daren, wipe those tears away, would you?"

Amid the laughter and merriment, Reina and Lana exchanged a glance, silently affirming their bond as siblings. 

Overwhelmed with joy, Lana handed Reina her room keys. "Pick any outfit you want, baby sis. I'll be waiting. This party just got even more interesting."

"Thanks, love," Reina responded, gratitude evident in her voice. She began to walk away, but a sudden realization halted her in her tracks. 

"This will be the last time I ever have to lay eyes on your repulsive face, Lilith Cedar. I have no interest in ugly things like you. The sight of you is nauseating."

Furious, Lilith lunged at Reina, but Daren swiftly intervened, extending his leg to trip her. Lilith crashed to the ground, landing face-first in a humiliating fall. 

Chuckling at the turn of events, Daren offered Lilith a hand. "Oh dear, oh dear. I wanted to assist Reina, but it seems you managed to trip instead. Let me help you up."

In a fit of rage, Lilith pushed Daren away and screamed, "I just wanted to help... but it appears you don't want that, Miss Lilith."

Swallowing her pride, Lilith rose to her feet and sprinted out of the hall, her face twisted with fury. 

Reina exchanged a triumphant grin with Daren before turning to him with an impish sparkle in her eyes. 

"Are you going to help me pick out a dress, dear?"

"Anything for you, my darling," Daren replied, taking Reina's hand as they walked out of the hall, leaving behind a stunned crowd. 

***

As Lilith sat in her car, trembling with anger, she couldn't grasp how Reina had managed to humiliate her so publicly. Vowing revenge, she reached for her phone, only to be interrupted by a social media notification. Curiosity piqued, she opened the app and found herself tagged in a meme that showcased her drenched in wine, with a bewildered expression while Reina's face blurred in the background.

Intrigued, she delved into the comment section. The post had already garnered thousands of likes and comments, with more pouring in by the second.

"My goodness, she looks horrendous! So that red hair was fake all along? I had no idea!"

"I think my ribs might burst from laughing so hard. Look at her face!"

"That color combination is something else. Why would she wear such an attention-grabbing dress to a birthday that isn't hers? What's she trying to prove?"

"She had it coming!"

"She's such a vile person, always steamrolling over others."

"Hehe, I like the color mix. Why would she wear such a flashy dress to a birthday that isn't hers? What's she trying to do?” 

“Serves her right!”

“Such a witch. I've always seen her walk all over people.”

“Whoever touched her sure has guts! I like the person already… Hold up what am I saying?! I love them!”

Lilith clenched her phone tightly, her eyes made with anger. She couldn't help but wonder about the hidden motive behind Reina's sudden actions.

"She must be up to something," she thought to herself.

 Lilith had always been a manipulative individual who used people to get what she wanted. She planned to get back at Reina and this dress thing would soon be over.

"Let's just see how she handles the consequences," she muttered under her breath.

As Lilith continued scrolling through the comments, her attention shifted abruptly when a message notification appeared on her screen. Her heart skipped a beat, and a sense of dread washed over her. It was a message from someone she feared the most.

With trembling hands, she opened the message and her eyes widened at the words in front of her.

“You have an hour to get home.”

Fear pulsed through her veins, causing her face to drain of color. Lilith's scream echoed through the car, a mixture of terror and desperation.

***

“What do you think of this?”

I spun around, showcasing the dress that Daren had picked out for me. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't help but feel a hint of anticipation. Daren always had a knack for fashion and knowing what suited me best.

Daren studied me for a moment, his eyes gleaming with excitement. However, his expression soon turned thoughtful.

“It's beautiful, but...it's not The One," he finally said, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

I let out an exasperated sigh. How many dresses had I tried on already? I had lost count. I was exhausted, and the idea of trying on endless dresses was starting to wear on me.

"One last time, Daren," I said firmly, my patience wearing thin. "I'm not trying on dresses anymore. Whatever I come out with from this closet, I'm wearing it. Be it a pack of feathers or a rhinestone dress!"

Daren's eyes lit up as if a brilliant idea had struck him. A mischievous smile played on his lips, and he exclaimed, "That's it!"