Rise To Stardom: My Villainess

[ October 31, 2019; Thursday ]

Halloween— one of the most interesting holidays ever invented. Despite not really believing in the belief that dressing up in costumes can ward off ghosts, the Wang and Xu family have decided to practice the tradition as well and made it even as an excuse to help the needy ones.

Right now, the grandiose party is held inside of Xu's mansions. Located in the countryside that has a great view of the sun when setting, the mansion all around is adorned with cartoon-like skulls, ghosts, and spooky pumpkins. Even the bushes of the mansion are trimmed like Halloween-like characters and fancied with cute ornaments.

The privileged children run around in their adorable get-ups and play with the other children from the orphanage without any discrimination, while the a.d.u.l.ts, on the other hand, take it as an opportunity to acquaint with each other for business; although there are also others who do it for leisure purposes. Well, either way, everything has been going so well.

The event can be considered successful since all these children are happy, and every guest here has donated a good sum of money for the charity.

Yes, charity.

Everyone knows that this party isn't for show. This Halloween party is sponsored by the Xu's and Wang's, and everyone who attended here is required to give money, which will be used as an additional amount for the already large sum of money the two families have already donated for the orphanage. Although some guests here are only for show and business, the two families don't care as long as they are contributing to the donations.

Another requirement to be included in the list of the privilege invitees is that one should wear a costume to symbolize their support for the cause. So be it childish or not, everyone, even the most serious a.d.u.l.ts, is all in costumes.

"This is a wonderful mansion you have here, Mrs. Xu," a lady, who is wearing an angelic-like dress, says. Her feathery wings sparkle under the artificial light while a plain golden halo is placed above her blonde haired head. Her face depicts admiration as she scans around the ballroom with her dark blue eyes.

She would have perfectly portrayed the identity of an angel; but with the jewelry excessively adoring her skin and her snobbish attitude, she utterly failed so. She would snarkily reply to any orphans who try to compliment her costume but pretentiously greet the little rich children with sudden enthusiasm. Though not fond of children from the lower social caste, she has no choice but to follow the rules that not only the Xu's has established but also the Wang's if she wants to socialize with these two families.

Celina pats the young child's head before turning to her guest with a smile. Her movements, poised like a queen. Though her gown is inspired by the villainess Queen of Hearts, she's nothing like the character. A golden crown lies on top of her brown hair, glimmering with precious gemstones. "Well, yes. This mansion is wonderful, isn't it?"

Her green eyes, brightly sparkling in mirth, as she recalls a memory of her dear cold spouse. "My husband gave it to me a few years back. It's huge and nice, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to make use out of this for a while now. Well, I mean, we live together," Celine says with a carefree laugh.

Though there are fights here and there, it's not enough for them to ignore each other for days and stay away from each other. Before it's the end of the day, her husband Axel, who is quite m.a.t.u.r.e himself, would always make sure to approach her and talk— make themselves see the issue from both sides— and then they apologize when it's finally clear.

"Though it has not been used for years now, it's still furnished pretty well. That's why Serenity and I thought that this would be a perfect venue to host the Halloween party. I'm pleased to hear that you like it. That only means the caretakers are doing their jobs well. I'll make sure to raise their salaries," Celina contentedly says as she smiles at her closest friend who is right beside her.

"Your employees are so fortunate to have you as their employer, Mrs. Xu. You are truly a generous woman," the lady pretentiously compliments as a mere act of displaying manners.

Celine, however, doesn't mind her tone as her thoughts, for a moment, are drifting away. She's thinking of calling her assistant tonight to deliver an additional amount of money to the paychecks of those three caretakers. She really sincerely appreciates them for their dedication to doing their jobs.

"This place is magnificent, Celine! Mr. Wang and Mr. Xu must have worked hard these past few weeks to prepare for such an extravagant event!" a woman joins in the conversation. Her skimpy nurse outfit is so tight; it should have been illegal. While her white dress tightly hugs her sultry figure, she hugs onto her stuffed toy needle. Her lips curve into an enticing grin as if inviting men to taste those. Her green eyes, alarmingly seducing.

Celine is a bit offended and annoyed by her words and her actions. She didn't like how this woman's tone of voice was being so suggestive as she mentions their husbands' names. And what is she wearing?! She looks like a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e or something!!! She is about to hurl back a sarcastic remark when her friend responds instead.

Serenity tucks a strand of her blonde hair before smiling quite superficially. Her Alice in Wonderland inspired dress makes her youthful and lively; though her grey eyes don't look enthusiastic as she appears. "In contrast to what you are saying, our husbands actually didn't do much. Well, if you did think of them throwing out money, then you're absolutely correct! But of course, we wouldn't mind you appreciating us for our hard work too." she says with an underlying tone. Her gaze, cold, as she stares at this bitch.

"I—I—"

The woman's face turns red, and she clutches the needle close to her face in an attempt to conceal the embarrassment she is feeling. Cold sweat starts to form and drip down the side of her face. She lets out an uneasy smile, unable to look at them straight at their eyes. "I— F—forgive me for my wrong calculations, Mrs. Wang," she stutters before excusing herself to leave.

The blonde-haired woman scoffs at the helpless response as she later turns to her best friend with a smile across her beautiful face. "We should better meet with our husbands, Celina. I fear that the longer we stay here, lots of vixens are trying to make up ways to approach our husbands."

Mrs. Xu softly laughs at the quick change of personality. Exactly one of the reasons why she's still fond of this woman despite being friends with her for several years now. "Yeah, we better," she agrees in a light-hearted tone; not that they are really threatened by those gold-digging bitches. Their men are loyal to them. Years of marriage can't be broken by a simple time of misunderstanding; the married couple knows each other too well.

Turning her attention to the lady dressed like an angel, Celina offers a smile. "We'll go ahead then, Ms. Shi. I hope that you have a nice evening." The lady nods, yet still a dazed expression. It is apparent that she was surprised by the sudden turn out of events. Not wanting to experience that humiliation first-hand herself, she humbles herself by lowering her gaze.

"Sure will. I hope you have a pleasant evening, Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Wang," she timidly says, and the two women in question smile. Arm in arm, they head to the directions of their husbands, who are currently being swarmed by several unwanted flies.

Reaching their destination, Celina immediately hugs her Axel's arms while Serenity wraps her hands with Austin's. The ladies are quick to know their places, so they reluctantly retreat from the two men's personal spaces. The two husbands, on the other hand, are silently relieved, seeing that their wives are finally there to swat those flies away with their presence.

A man may feel happy to have ladies swarming over him, but it's a different case for these two men. They're married; and unlike those cheating bastards, they're true to their wives. They give their beautiful wives a small yet gentle greeting before continuing their business-oriented conversation with a few interested gentlemen.

As the Wang's and the Xu's are all cl.u.s.tering in a circle, everyone's attention is all stolen away when the magnificent couple finally arrives. Celina and Serenity smile at each other, sending each other a knowing look when they spot their children walking arm-in-arm towards them. Axel Xu quietly nods at the sight of the couple while Austin can't help but beam with pride to see his daughter capturing the gaze of everyone inside the room.

As always, Ember manages to pull her clothes again. She looks absolutely regally stunning with the off-white chiffon-styled dress on her. A golden laurel wreath is neatly placed over her head. Dressed to be a muse to represent the title she is bestowed with, she looks like the goddess of beauty instead. Everyone's eyes are on her, and they can't help but think that she's really gorgeous.

On the other hand, there's Alessio. As usual, he's wearing his perfectly-tailored business suit. The only difference from his usual looks is his bloody-red necktie. Even though he isn't exactly wearing a costume, his face is still enough to make every woman fall to their knees.

Ember sends a glance to her fiancé. For a second, her aureus eyes express disappointment before concealing it with a smile on her face to mask the animosity they have for each other.

"You shouldn't have attended the party if you were just planning to be a kill-joy," she grumbles in a soft tone, being careful with the people for them not to hear the disdain in her voice. "It's a must to wear a costume, but you're still on your business attire. Are you not paying attention?"

Alessio doesn't bother to give her a look as he coldly points out, "I'm wearing vampire fangs." Opening his mouth as he speaks, Alessio emotionlessly reveals the sharp canines to her. Such a sight could have made the former Ember giggle at his ridiculous behavior, but she isn't someone who can bother to interact with him in a relaxing manner anymore.

Instead, she only gets more irritated by the short reply. She tries to calm herself, letting out a laugh to mask that feeling of vexation.

"Well, my dear fiancé, don't you always wear that every year?" Ember points out, quite sarcastically. "I suppose that you must be tired of constantly wearing that kind of get up."

Alessio doesn't respond to that, causing her to mentally roll her eyes. Though she doesn't say anymore as she didn't really intend to have a public argument with Alessio. Persistently smiling, she with her annoying fiancé quietly makes their way to their parents.

While greeting each other, Ember can't help but notice that the Xu couple's younger son isn't with them. "Is there something wrong?" Celina gently asks as she pats her daughter-in-law's shoulder. Ember's attention reverts to the brown-haired woman before softly smiles as she honestly speaks out her mind, asking for Kielle's whereabouts.

The woman then strangely laughs in response as she directs her gaze to someone else. Following her gaze, Ember's aureus colored eyes soon rest on a figure. There— a few meters away from them— is a small crowd of children and a six feet tall frozen yogurt mascot in the middle(?!)

What in the world—

She slightly narrows her eyes. Upon having a closer glimpse of the rather bizarre costume, she can see the face of her best friend poking out from the hole. Her lower jaw almost falls from the shocking realization. Kielle, who has been occupied giving out free yogurts to the orphans, notices his best friend; upon perceiving the look on her face, he can't help but send a teasing wink at her.

Ember quickly averts her eyes away; her face, feeling warm of a sudden. Those frozen yogurts… She struggles to keep the craving at bay, not realizing that her grip on Alessio has instinctively tightened. The man beside her stiffens as he turns to Ember with a puzzled look written all over his face, having no idea why she's acting in this manner.

Before he can even observe her any longer, a dirty blonde haired man that seems to be in his forties abruptly interrupts the couple without any consideration. He is in his noble black suit look, complete with the simple accessories of a monocle and top black hat. A perfect white mustache, just glued on the slight top of his lips. "Ember Wang, right? I see that you have finally arrived. And you are… Alessio Xu?" A smile on his face as he stretches his hand out for a friendly greeting.

Despite recognizing the middle-aged man to be the famed, benevolent senator, the black-haired man only gives the senator a poker look and ignores the hand that is placed right in front of him.

"You're…?" Ember questions, a bit confused by the appearance of this man, while Alessio only mercilessly stares at him.

The senator's friendly smile turns awkward as he finally takes back the hand that was uncomfortably stretched out for too long. His ego was slightly crushed for the Nation's Muse of Beauty not being able to register his identity, but one cannot really blame Ember for not recognizing the face of this political figure since she has been outside of the country most of the time and can only focus on her work.

"Senator Leonardo Liu," the man introduces himself with the slightest hint of pride in his tone.

Ember stops for a moment upon recognizing his name from the mouths of other people and articles. Liu? Well, his name is rather famous for some of the laws he proposed the past 10 years in his seating. Not to mention, he has already been elected twice in that political position and is apparently the first and the only one to be re-elected in the senate. No wonder he seems proud of himself.

Ember thoughtfully nods, finally acknowledging the senator. "You are the father of Caiden Liu?" Leonardo thought that she would start to praise him for his political achievement but is left surprised when she mentioned his son instead. It's not that he felt disappointed; in fact, he feels delighted with his son's accomplishment.

"Yes, I am his father..."

Senator Leonardo's confusion vanished upon realizing why she must have mentioned his son. Of course! Oh, of course— apparently, they are both starring in the same drama!

"I heard that you're working with my son in his new project. You must have met Caiden, right! He's a nice and friendly person, and I'm sure you'll love his company. My wife and I did ensure that he'll grow up a good man after all," The senator exclaims, almost too enthusiastically.

Ember struggles to not roll her eyes. A good man, huh? Pfft. A good man would never tolerate his friend or even the one he loves to desperately cling onto a person who is in a relationship. Based on Caiden's actions though, it seems like they are not able to teach their son with proper behaviors.

What a lie.

"Oh, he sure is nice," she says quite sarcastically, which makes the senator idiotically glow with pride. Alessio looks at Ember with an unidentified expression all over his face, but she barely notices that as she's too occupied with the man in front of him.

"It would truly be a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e if you both become friends during the shooting, Ms. Wang," Senator Leonardo happily says.

Ember's lips slightly twitch because unknown to him, his son and she are already in the process of becoming acquaintances. After all, Caiden is one of her most important tools to get through that s.l.u.t. He only has to accept her offer. Despite him refusing, for now, Ember believes that it's not any more longer before he finally agrees to settle in.

"My fiancée doesn't need more friends than she already has. I believe that she has enough." Ember is about to retort when the black-haired man beside her suddenly speaks out of nowhere. She turns to him, and his eyes are just coldly staring at the senator. Why is he acting like that? Well, she doesn't know. Maybe Alessio is acting jealous for a show, who knows. Ember doesn't want to cause a ruckus, so she plays along with her fiancé's unnecessary behavior.

"Oh, Zio-ge!" Ember laughs as she pretends to be fl.u.s.tered by his words. Dropping his arm, she holds his hands as if a gesture of assurance. Her aureus eyes are shining with mischievousness. Her lips are painted with a smirk of mockery that can be mistaken with a playful tease by an unsuspecting person.

"Don't tell me you're jealous! Sure, Caiden's handsome; but there's nothing to worry for. I only have my eyes set on you." I only have eyes set on you while my heart… not anymore. She mentally scoffs. And why would she have an interest in that two-faced actor; he's nothing but a tool. And what's more, he is acquainted with that bitch. Ember wouldn't have talked to him, but he is an opportunity that she cannot miss.

Alessio's cold stares avert to their hands that have been interlocked together; his expression seems to show his disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e for the physical touch. She also hates this too, but she has to keep up the image of their relationship.

And why is he even showing that face? Can he not see that we're in the public's view? Specifically, we're in front of his parents. Is it not his fault as he is the one who initiated it?

"Zio-ge!"

Ember fakes a pout. "Don't be mad! You're the only one I like, okay!" His dark jade eyes meet her golden ones; he immediately looks away as he takes back his hands from her grip. Ember almost frowns but stops herself. Instead, she maintains her composure with a smile before laughing.

"Zio-ge sure looks cute when he's jealous, huh." When Alessio doesn't make any response, she turns to the senator who scrutinizes them in wonder. Leonardo then thoughtfully nods after a long moment of stare from her. While he is about to finally speak and start yet again a new conversation, someone snatches Ember by the arm with a cup in his left hand.

"Ember! You haven't given me your greetings yet! Am I really your friend?!" Her aureus eyes widen when it fell on his handsome face, which weirdly pops out from his rather absurd costume. Her face turns soft pink when he suddenly pushes to Ember her very own frozen yogurt! Kielle smiles at her, and she can't help but smile back. Senator Leonardo chooses that time to leave, seeing that his presence isn't much needed anymore.

Ember rolls her eyes. "Psh. Stop acting so childish. You are already 22 years old. I think it's time that you should start acting m.a.t.u.r.e." Kielle pouts as he gives him that deadpanned look. "Says the one who acts as childish as I am." Ember cannot help but laugh, not even bothering to deny his words as it is completely true.

She then pats him on the shoulder. "And Kielle! Why in the world did you decide to wear that?!" She can't almost refrain herself from beaming because as much as how ludicrous the costume is right now on him, she loves it! Frozen yogurts are her absolute favorites, and seeing a human-sized frozen yogurt makes her so happy right now. She terribly wants to hug it right now, but she has to restrain her excitement for the sake of manners.

"Ah, you know why…"

Kielle gently smiles at her, happy to lift his friend's mood. "You better eat that frozen yogurt now before it melts."

Ember slowly nods before lifting her fork to have the first bite of the vanilla-flavored delicacy. Her golden eyes are almost twinkling from the bliss. The silver-haired man gives out a relieved sigh upon observing her. Though the smile falters when he spots his older brother quietly staring at his friend.