CHAPTER 1

The Invitation

Jane’s POV

Fate has a peculiar way of surprising us when we least expect it. It can bring forth either joy or hardship, leaving us uncertain of its intentions. As Jane Collins, a struggling twenty-five-year-old artist, I faced my fair share of challenges in my career. However, I remained determined not to surrender to discouragement. To make ends meet, I took on a job as a waitress at a fancy restaurant.

One day, during my break time at my job, I found myself engrossed in a conversation with my best friend, Sarah Anderson. Unexpectedly, she interrupted with a question.

"Oh Jane, before I forget, do you have any plans for tonight?"

Without much thought, I replied, "Yes, I do have plans for tonight."

"Don't tell me your plans involve painting and listening to music," Sarah teased, knowing me all too well.

As much as her cleverness made me smile, I could tell she was growing weary of my predictable routine.

"Anyway, there's a party tonight," Sarah continued.

"No, no, Sarah, I'm not interested in attending a party where intoxicated adults sway to dreadful music blaring from loudspeakers," I protested.

However, my complaints fell on deaf ears. Sarah had other plans in mind, and she was determined to convince me.

"If you had allowed me to finish, Jane, you would have discovered that this party is nothing like the one you described. It's a formal event, and Jacob invited me. He specifically asked me to bring you along. Who knows, you might even find potential clients interested in purchasing your artwork," Sarah explained.

Jacob, whom I affectionately called Jake, had been Sarah's boyfriend for two years. I suspected he might be preparing to propose, although I wasn't sure if Sarah was ready for such a commitment.

"Oh," I managed to utter, considering the possibility of finding rich potential clients at this formal gathering who will be willing to buy my artworks. It has always been my  dream to sell my artwork to people. This party was a big opportunity for me but…

"And before you start making excuses about not having anything to wear, I'll bring one of my dresses for you. Even though you have a curvier figure than I do, I'm sure I have something nice and fitting that you can wear," Sarah offered, anticipating my protest.

As I mentioned before, she knew me all too well. I was about to complain about not having suitable attire, but she quashed my objections.

"So, I have no choice?" I questioned, hoping she might reconsider.

"Nope, you do not, missy," she replied, leaving me no room for negotiation.

She informed me that the party would commence at 8 PM and that she would arrive at my place by 5 PM after her work shift ended. While we could have gone together, she needed to stop by her apartment to collect the dress and other items. She said Jacob would pick us up at my place at 7:30 PM.

After my shift ended, I hurried home, eager to freshen up. A knock at the door confirmed my expectation of Sarah's arrival. There was no need for me to invite her inside; she entered confidently, holding a shoebox and two garment bags. Motioning for me to follow, she led me to my bedroom.

"Are you prepared to be amazed?" she asked.

"By what?" I responded, puzzled.

"You'll see. Please have a seat here," she instructed, pointing to the lone stool in my room.

I complied, and she skillfully applied makeup to my face, although I wasn't particularly fond of cosmetics. After what seemed like hours, she finally declared, 

"There we go."

"Now take this and go try it on," she said, handing me one of the garment bags and the shoebox.

I accepted the items but before I could turn around to inspect the result of her hairstyling, she insisted that I put on the dress and complete the ensemble before examining myself.

Heading to the bathroom, I slipped into the dress. It hugged my figure tightly, accentuating my bust in a way that felt slightly revealing yet not uncomfortable. The silver heels complemented the outfit perfectly. Though I couldn't fully see my reflection, I knew I looked good.

Returning to the room, I discovered Sarah already dressed in her own attire, applying light makeup to her face. I marveled at how swiftly she had transformed herself.

"Damn, girl, you're going to turn heads tonight," she exclaimed.

"But I don't want to draw attention to myself," I confessed.

"That's precisely what we intend to do. Now, sit down, and let me style your hair," Sarah replied.

Obeying her instructions, I sat as she began to work on my hair. Within a few minutes, she announced her completion. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back to admire her handiwork. Eager to witness the transformation, I turned toward the mirror. My heart raced with anticipation as I caught sight of my reflection, and I couldn't help but gasp. Sarah had truly worked wonders.

My ordinarily plain features had been subtly enhanced with skillful makeup that accentuated my best attributes. My eyes appeared brighter, framed by meticulously lined lashes and a touch of shimmering eye shadow. A soft, natural shade adorned my lips, imparting a hint of sophistication to my appearance. Sarah had expertly struck a balance between glamour and subtlety.

Yet, it wasn't solely the makeup that captivated me. The dress she had chosen was stunning. The black fabric clung to my curves in all the right places, accentuating my figure in a way that made me feel simultaneously confident and self-conscious. The silver heels added an elegant touch, elongating my legs and boosting my height.

Sarah beamed at me, her satisfaction evident. 

"Damn, girl, you look absolutely incredible," she declared, excitedly. 

I couldn't help but return her smile, overwhelmed with gratitude for her unwavering support and friendship. 

"Thank you, Sarah. I could never have imagined myself like this."

"Well, get ready to make a statement tonight," she responded mischievously. "But first, let's add the finishing touch."

Curiosity piqued, I eagerly accepted the jewelry box she handed me. As I opened it, my eyes widened in surprise. Nestled inside was a delicate necklace with a silver key-shaped pendant. It glimmered under the soft lighting, casting an ethereal glow.

"Sarah, this is exquisite," I whispered, gently lifting the necklace from its resting place.

"It's a special piece," she explained. 

"I thought it would add an element of intrigue to your appearance."

With anticipation, I fastened the necklace around my neck, feeling the weight of the pendant against my chest.

Standing before the mirror, fully transformed and prepared to embark on this unexpected adventure, a surge of nervous energy coursed through me. Sensing my apprehension, Sarah approached, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. 

"You've got this, Jane. Believe in yourself, just as I do. This could be the turning point you've been waiting for."

I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to confront the unknown. 

"You're right, Sarah. I won't let fear hold me back any longer. I'll embrace this opportunity and see where it leads."

With that newfound resolve burning in my heart, I nodded at Sarah, my eyes reflecting gratitude and determination. 

"Thank you for everything, Sarah."

She grinned, linking her arm with mine, ready to face the world together. As we stepped out of my apartment and into Jake’s waiting car, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.

 Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary party would serve as the catalyst for a series of events that would challenge my life completely? Suspense hung in the air, enveloping me like a cloak as the car sped away, carrying us into the night.