THE GRAND REVEAL

The Grand chandeliers of Howard castle's ballroom sparkled like a sky full of stars, casting a golden glow over the sea of guest dressed in the most extravagant outfits money could buy. The air filled with sophistication, champagne glasses clicked, the rich laughter echoed, and geh scent of rose and expensive cologne filled the room. And then, I walked in. The moment my heel clicked the marble floor, there was this thin silence that fell over the room. Eyes turned, mouths parted in astonishment and whispers ignited like wildfire. I knew I looked breathtaking.

I was wearing a limited edition Elie-Saab gown, one of the most expensive creations from the brands latest collection, and ethereal, deep sapphire dress adorned with intricate crystal embroidery, hugging my curves and flowing like liquid silk. It was a masterpiece, designed only for the wealthiest elite and I wore it effortlessly. Jewelry from Cartier gleamed against my skin, a delicate diamond necklace and a matching earrings that sparkled under that chandelier light. My hair was swept in a regal bun revealing my neckline exposed in the most elegant way. Every inch of me screamed wealth, power and untouched grace. And I loved it.

I walked further into the ballroom, completely unaware of the whispers that spread behind me like wild fire. "Oh My God... Isn't that an Elie Saab limited edition?" 

"It is! Only three of those exist in the world!" 

"Who is she?". "She must be Royalty."

But then the tone of whispers shifted. "Wait a minute... Isn't that Giselle?" 

"You mean Patrick Hilton's wife? No,wait... Ex-wife." "The one who got kicked out? That loser?" "Why the hell is she here? And in a dress worth millions?" I could feel their eyes boring into me, filled with curiousity, envy and malicious delight. But I don't care. 

I was too busy admiring the grand spectacle my father had created for my birthday, the ballroom was a dream, decorated with golden drapes, floral arches, and a live orchestra playing the most beautiful classical symphony. A smile crept on my lips. Tonight was prefect. That was until a heard a familiar voice sharp and full of venom. "Well, well, well...look what we have here.". I turned slowly, already recognizing that sickeningly sweet tone before even laying my eyes on her. Becky.

She stood there, draped in an over the top, glittering red dress that did more to scream "desperate for attention" than elegance. Clicking to her arm, Patrick, his sharp suit was tailored to perfection. But I wasn't stupid. I could see it , the click of shock in his eyes when he saw me. Good, let him choke on it. 

Becky's lips curled into a mocking smirk as she scanned me from head to toe. "Tell me, sweetheart, which rich man did you have sleep with to get into this party? Was it the one who came to take you away?" A few guest gasped, and the murmurs grew louder. I folded my arms, keeping my face blank. "And why exactly do you think I need to explain myself to you?" Patrick's voice cut through the tension."Giselle, what are you doing here?" I met his gaze, refusing to let any emotions slip through "that's none of your business." But of course, Becky wasn't done. She loved a scene. "Oh come on, don't act all innocent," she scoffed."you disappear and suddenly you're showing up with a dress worth millions? Who paid for it? Because we both know that you couldn't afford it on your own." I ignored her, but I could feel more eyes turning to me. The whispers were growing, some siding Becky, some just eager for the drama. And then , another voice joined in. "Mom was right. She's nothing but a gold-digging whore." I turned, my stomach twisting in disguist when I saw Debbie, Patrick's sister, standing beside his mother, Karen Hilton. Karen crossed her arms, her gaze filled with superiority. "We warned you, Patrick." She said smoothly. "But you were too blind to see and now look at her, dressed like a peacock, pretending she belongs her." I clenched my jaw. They wanted a reaction from me. They wanted me to break, to cry, to scream. But I couldn't give them that satisfaction. I lifted my chin. "Believe, what you want, " i said coldly.

Debbie rolled her eyes. "You still still haven't answered Becky's question. Where did you steal the money to buy that dress?" I stayed silent. I could have easily shut them all up by revealing the truth. That I wasn't some abandoned woman crawling back into high society. That I was Giselle Von Howard, the heiress to one of the richest empire in the world. But I wasn't about to waste my breath on people who had already made up their minds about me. Patrick scoffed his voice dropping into something almost bitter. "So this is why you accepted the divorce? Because you wanted to some rich guy? Because you wanted to get back at me?.

I stared at him. Unbelievable. 

After everything, after all the ways he tossed me aside, he still thought this was about him? I stepped closer, meeting gaze without a single hint of hesitation. "Listen to me carefully, Patrick" I said my voice firm. "My life is mine. What k do , who I see, where I go- it's none of your concern. Not anymore." His jaw tensed, but I didn't give him a chance to respond. Becky, of course, wouldn't let it go. "God, you're so pathetic," she sneered. "You, seriously think you can just waltz in here, looking like some fairytale princess, and one will question how you got here?" And then, with a smug smirk, she snapped her fingers. "Security!" Two guards immediately approached. I barely flinched.

Of course, Becky would try to kick me out. The music slowed, the guests growing more curious, their attention fixed on the scene unfolding before them. I glanced at Becky, unimpressed. "Really? You're that desperate to humiliate?" "Oh honey," she laughed her voice dripping with amusement. "I'm just making sure that people like you don't bring flight into the event." The guard stepped closer, but I didn't move. I could have revealed who I am. Could have shattered their delusions with a single sentence. But I simply smirked. Because little did they know, this entire event was in my honor. I wasn't some guest. I was the star of the night. And Becky had just made the biggest mistake of her life.