Chapter 4
"Miss Shaw?" the taller one asked, her eyes appraising me. "I'm Mara, and this is Tessa. We're here to work some magic."
I nodded, stepping aside to let them in. "It's Josephine," I corrected, leading them to my bedroom. Until I was ready for my reveal, I would be Josephine. "And I'm not sure how much magic you can work with what you've got."
Tessa laughed, a warm, tinkling sound. "Oh honey, you'd be surprised. Now, sit down and let us do our thing."
For the next two hours, I sat still as they worked, transforming me from the girl I knew into someone I barely recognized. Mara's fingers flew through my hair, twisting and pinning it into an elegant updo, while Tessa's brushes danced across my face, accentuating features I never knew I had.
As they worked, I closed my eyes, trying to center myself. "You nervous, sweetie?" Mara asked, her voice gentle.
I opened my eyes, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "Terrified," I admitted, surprising myself with my honesty.
Tessa patted my shoulder. "You've got this," she said firmly. "We're making you look like a queen, but remember—the real strength comes from in here." She tapped my chest, right over my heart.
Finally, they stepped back, admiring their handiwork. "Time for the dress," Mara announced, a hint of excitement in her voice.
I slipped into the midnight blue gown, the fabric cool against my skin. As Tessa helped me into the silver strappy heels, I caught a glimpse of myself in the full-length mirror and froze.
The woman staring back at me was stunning. Elegant. Fierce. She looked nothing like the Josephine I knew, yet somehow, she was still me. My eyes smoldered with a smoky makeup look. My lips were painted a deep, rich red that made me think of wine and secrets.
"Well?" Tessa prompted, a proud smile on her face. "What do you think?"
I turned, watching the dress shimmer in the light. "I look..."
"Gorgeous," Mara finished for me. "Absolutely gorgeous."
As I stared at my reflection, something shifted inside me. The fear and uncertainty that had been my constant companions melted away, replaced by a steely determination. I stood taller, my chin lifting slightly.
"You ready to face the world?" Tessa asked, adjusting a stray curl.
I met her eyes in the mirror, a small smile playing on my lips. "I'm ready to face Colson," I replied, my voice steady and sure. "Whatever he throws at me, I can handle it."
I waited as they packed up their supplies and headed downstairs. There were a few words between them and my family. I ticked off fifteen seconds in my head before I headed toward the open door.
As I walked out of my bedroom, each step in those silver heels felt like a step towards a new version of myself. I was no longer just Josephine, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Tonight, I was Josephine, and I was ready to play the game on my own terms.
The nerves were still there, fluttering in my stomach, but they were overshadowed by a newfound confidence. Whatever happened tonight, I knew one thing for certain—I was going to make an impression Colson wouldn't soon forget.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself at the top of the stairs. The soft rustle of my dress and the gentle click of my heels on the worn hardwood were the only sounds as I descended, each step deliberate and poised.
As I reached the bottom, I was met with a tableau of stunned faces. My family stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief.
My mother was the first to break the silence, her hand flying to her mouth as she gasped, "Oh, Joey... You look absolutely gorgeous!"
I felt a flush creep up my neck, unused to such praise. "Thanks, Mom," I murmured, smoothing down the front of my dress self-consciously.
My father cleared his throat, blinking rapidly as if trying to reconcile the image before him with his memory of his little girl. "You clean up good, kiddo," he managed, his voice gruff with emotion.
Logan circled me, whistling low. "Damn, sis. You actually look like you belong in Windmere Haven now." He grinned, but I could see a hint of worry in his eyes.
I raised an eyebrow at him, my newfound confidence allowing me to quip, "Was that supposed to be a compliment?"
He laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I calls 'em like I sees 'em." His expression softened as he asked, "You want me to walk you over? It's getting dark out."
For a moment, I was tempted. The thought of having my brother by my side, even for a little while longer, was comforting. But I knew this was something I had to do alone.
I shook my head, offering him a small smile. "Thanks, but I've got this. This is... it's something I need to do on my own."
My mother stepped forward, adjusting an errant curl with trembling fingers. "Are you sure, sweetheart? We could all walk you."
"No," I said firmly, but gently. I took her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I appreciate it, really. But I can't use you as a crutch. Not for this."
My father nodded, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes. "You're stronger than you know, Joey. Remember that tonight."
I took a deep breath, drawing strength from their love and support. "I will," I promised.
As I turned towards the door, I caught a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror. The woman looking back at me was ready. She was strong. She was Josephine Shaw.
With one last look at my family, I opened the door and stepped out into the warm evening air. The path to Colson's mansion stretched before me, intimidating yet full of possibility. Whatever lay ahead, I was prepared to face it head-on.
As I began my walk, the gentle click of my heels on the pavers sounded like a countdown. With each step, I left behind the old Joey and embraced the new Josephine—elegant, fierce, and ready for whatever Colson had in store.
I strolled into the gardens with purpose, the scent of jasmine enveloping me like a heady perfume.
Through the ornate French doors, I could see the warm glow of the ballroom lights, hear the soft strains of music drifting on the evening air.
I sank onto a nearby bench, trying to compose myself for what lay ahead.
"Joey."
The voice startled me, and I looked up to find Vaughn standing a few feet away. He was dressed casually in jeans and an untucked white shirt, open at the neck. The informality of his attire stood in stark contrast to my own carefully crafted appearance.
I stood abruptly, irritation flaring. "I asked you not to call me that," I snapped. But the sudden movement threw me off balance, and I pitched forward. Vaughn's arms were around me in an instant, strong and steady.
"Don't do it," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I pushed out of his embrace, forcing out a sarcastic laugh to mask my confusion. "Why? Why is it such a big deal to you?"
Vaughn's eyes, usually so guarded, were intense as they bore into mine. "He's going to pick you, Joey."
I clenched my teeth at the use of my nickname again. "And why do you care so much?"
He reached for my hand, but I backed away, crossing my arms defensively. His next words hit me like a physical blow.
"Because it will shred my heart."
My mouth dropped open, disbelief warring with a surge of unexpected emotion. "You're lying," I managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper.
Before Vaughn could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps drew my attention. Orville appeared, his white-gloved hand extended towards me.
"Miss Shaw, Mr. Ashworth is waiting, and you don't want to keep him waiting," he intoned, his voice devoid of any emotion.
I hesitated for a fraction of a second, my eyes darting back to Vaughn. His face was a mask of anguish, and for a moment, I felt the ground shift beneath my feet.
"Joey," Vaughn called out, a note of desperation in his voice as I slipped my arm around Orville's.
As Orville led me away, my mind was reeling. Vaughn's words echoed in my head, threatening to unravel the composure I'd so carefully constructed. But I couldn't afford to dwell on them now. Colson was waiting, and with him, the future I'd committed myself to pursuing.
I took a deep breath, forcing my features into a serene mask. Whatever game Vaughn was playing, whatever his true motives were, I couldn't let it distract me. Not now. Not when I was so close to securing my family's future.
As we approached the ballroom, the music grew louder, the chatter of voices more distinct. I straightened my shoulders, lifted my chin. It was time to step into the spotlight and face whatever Colson had in store for me.
But even as I prepared to play my part, a small voice in the back of my mind whispered a dangerous question: What if Vaughn had been telling the truth? What if this was just a big production and choosing me had been Colson’s plan all along?
As I stepped into the ballroom, I was momentarily overwhelmed by the opulence surrounding me.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors.
The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the soft murmur of refined conversation.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I surveyed the scene before me.
About twenty women were scattered throughout the room, each one a vision of elegance in designer gowns that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe.
Their jewelry glittered under the chandeliers, a not-so-subtle display of wealth and status.
Servers in crisp white uniforms weaved through the crowd, offering delicate appetizers on silver trays and flutes of golden champagne. I plucked a glass from a passing tray, grateful for something to occupy my hands.
As I sipped the bubbly liquid, I couldn't help but notice the stark difference between myself and the other women.
They were all older, most likely in their late twenties or early thirties, their confidence born of years navigating this world of privilege.
I, on the other hand, felt every bit the newcomer I was.
A group of women near me turned, their eyes scanning me from head to toe. I recognized one of them as Melissa Hartley, daughter of a prominent banker in Windmere Haven. Her lips curved into a sneer as she leaned towards her companions.
"Well, well," she said, her voice carrying just far enough for me to hear. "If it isn't little Joey Shaw. I didn't realize Colson was robbing the cradle these days."
Her friends tittered, their laughter like shards of glass. I felt heat rise to my cheeks but forced myself to stand tall, meeting Melissa's gaze coolly. She’d been a senior when I was just a lowly freshman and never let me forget my place.
"It's Josephine," I corrected, my voice steady despite the churning in my stomach. "And I believe Mr. Ashworth invited me here himself. I'm sure he had his reasons."
Melissa's eyes narrowed, but before she could retort, a hush fell over the room. I turned to see Colson himself entering, his presence commanding immediate attention.
He scanned the room, his eyes landing on me. A slow smile spread across his face as he began to make his way towards me. I could feel the stares of the other women burning into my back, a mix of curiosity and resentment.
"Josephine," Colson said as he reached me, taking my hand and brushing his lips against my knuckles. "You look absolutely stunning tonight."
I forced a smile, acutely aware of the jealous glares surrounding us. "Thank you, Mr. Ashworth. You're too kind."
He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Please, call me Colson. After all, we're going to be getting to know each other quite well tonight."
As he led me away from the group, his hand resting possessively on the small of my back, I caught sight of Melissa's furious expression. The other women watched us with a mix of envy and curiosity, no doubt wondering what made me special enough to capture Colson's attention.
I took another sip of champagne, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead.
I was in the lion's den now, surrounded by women who saw me as nothing more than an interloper.
But I hadn't come this far to be intimidated.
Whatever plan Colson had, whatever these women thought of me, I was determined to hold my own.
As we moved through the crowd, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping onto a stage, about to perform in a play where I didn't know my lines. But with Colson's eyes on me and the burden of my family's future on my shoulders, I knew I had no choice but to give the performance of my life.