THE MAFIA’S CAPTIVE ANGEL

I was sitting close to the window while reading a new book, this time making sure to browse through the book and making sure I hadn’t taken one like the last. Though I doubt that was possible because Sin made sure to remove any books of that nature from the library shelf.

I giggled, flipping the pages of the book I was reading, when the door of my room pulled open and a woman walked in.

She was dressed in a sophisticated and elegant way. Her brown hair was tied up in a tight bun with little to no makeup on her face.

“Can I help you?” I asked as she looked at me up and down.

“Mr. Violante says you need a dress for the ball.” She said, “I’m here to assist you and make sure you get the right gown.”

“Oh, of course.” My demeanour was instantly thawed. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Normani.”

“Ms. Normani,  It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Willow. I’ve picked out a few dresses for you. Let me know what you think.” She says.  “Though Mr. Violenta has already picked out a gown for you that is among the selected ball gowns, I thought you might like to make a choice of your own.”

I looked up at the dresses that had been chosen; there was something blue and slinky, something else in a deep red, and more behind those that I couldn’t really see.

“First, let me take your measurements to ensure that this fits.” She was already unwinding a tailor’s tape.

Once she’d wrapped it around my waist, hips, and bust, she scribbled a few things on a notepad I hadn’t even noticed she had. “All right,” she said, “a few of these will probably fit you just fine, but we can work with the others as well. Why don’t you try the blue one first?”

I stepped out of my clothes and slipped them over my head, spinning around in the mirror as the folds of fabric settled on the curves and contours of my body. I had to admit that I liked the way it clung to my chest, but I wasn’t happy with the overall shape of it. I looked to Willow for guidance.

She shook her head. ” It’s not quite right for you. I had a feeling it wouldn’t be. Try the red.”

Close, but it still didn’t look right to me. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure if my perceptions of how I would seem in a dress were very accurate. I had images in mind of horrendously photoshopped magazine photo shoots. I would always have the lumps and bumps of a real human woman, regardless of what I was wearing.

Willow was tugging at the hem. It fell in an odd place, just below my knee, which threw off the whole look of the dress.

“If you end up loving it, we can incorporate this a little more,” she said. “But let’s give it another shot. Let’s try on the ball gown Mr. Violenta chose this time.”

I nodded, and she rummaged through her options for a while before pulling out a stunning ball gown. As I stared in awe at the gown in her hand, my lips parted in amazement.

Willow was smiling. “Here,” she said. “I can tell you’re in love with it already. Try it on.”

It was light and silky, fitting over me like a second skin but not clinging too tight. My breath caught in my throat as I looked at my reflection. Almost instinctively, I reached up and undid my ponytail, letting my hair fall loose around my shoulders. I tossed my head.

Willow’s smile had broken into a grin, lighting her whole face up with the satisfaction of a job well done.

“It’s truly beautiful.” She smiled.  “I will make sure to keep it perfectly safe. The rest of the dressing will be taken care of by Mr. Violenta.”

“Thank you, Willow.” I said with a smile, and hers stretched.

“You don’t need to thank me; I’m just doing my job.” I grinned, turning to the mirror to take one more look at my reflection.

After about two hours, I was finally ready for the ball. Sin had arranged for a makeup artist and gotten someone to help me get ready.

I wore a black silk dress that accentuated my curves; my whole back was on display, and there was a dangerous slit going up until my thigh. I had pretty intense makeup but not too much, and my hair was straightened, making me look more mature.

When I stared at the mirror, taking in the reflection in front of me, I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful she looked, not believing her to be me.

She was absolutely stunning, classy, and sophisticated. all the things that I was not

My eyes settled on the necklace that sat daintily around my neck. It was definitely something of its kind. It was coiled in the shape of a snake and was encrusted with diamonds and coloured stones.

It shone against my skin and gave a tease as it rested on the top of my plump breasts.

After giving one final look at the mirror and thanking those who helped me get ready, I got to my feet, grabbing my purse, before making my way downstairs.

As I looked toward the living room, I saw Sin standing near the couch, wearing a black and greyish suit with a bow tie, and he was buttoning the buttons on his wrist.

He abruptly stopped as he looked up, meeting my gaze.

He stared at me as I made my way toward him. His intense stare was making me feel nervous.

“Oh, my God! Mani, you look beautiful.” Zoey gushed, walking into the living room with her hands clapped to her mouth. “Absolutely gracious.”

” Thanks.”  I blushed, turning to look at Sin, waiting for him to compliment my look.

He cleared his throat, making his way towards me and taking out a beautiful golden mask with a gold design shaped in the form of a V on the side.

He walks behind me, placing it on my face and helping with the tie. I turned to look at him, still waiting for him to say something as he knotted his mask.

“We should go.” He says instead, and I nod, feeling disappointed.

We both made our way to his car. The driver drove off as we approached the ball venue, taking up position in the back seat of the car.