Dulling Glisters of the Diamond (Casa Fuego Series #5)

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Growing up as the only female of my generation, I was raised like a precious diamond by my family, so much so that my glisters reached all corners. But like how diamonds form under pressure, I never had it easy in life. After my brother flew abroad, my mother pressured me to heist my cousin's heirdom, and become the heiress of my clan.

I never wanted to. But what can I do?

"Would you like me to tighten it more, Madame?" the stylist asked.

I stared at my reflection in the huge mirror of my luxurious wardrobe. All lights were lit, all jewelries assembled in front of me, and all aides helping me just for this one-night ballroom party for my grandmother's birthday.

Nasa likod ang aking stylist habang inaayos ang aking engrandeng gown. Ang iilan pang kasambahay ay abala sa pagliligpit ng mga gamit na sinukat ngunit hindi napili. Some househelps were standing by in the side, waiting for errands.

"That's enough," my deep voice vibrated under my breath.

Napakurap-kurap ang mga kasambahay sa lalim ng aking boses. Natural na malalim ang aking boses, isang bagay na laging ikinagugulat ng marami. Kaya kahit hindi ko sinasadya, palaging malamig ang pananalita ko.

My head tilted as the assistant stylist fixed my petticoat underneath the huge skirt of my bespoke gown. It was a sleeveless Christian Dior ball gown with a smokey skirt, looking pristine in its white color. It had no sequins, just a plain white vintage cloth. Malaki ang gown ngunit dahil matangkad ako, hindi iyon nagmistulang kinakain ang katawan ko.

My hair is styled in an elegant chignon updo. I wore small diamond earrings to complement my hairstyle, and balance my huge skirt. Like usual, my lips are painted in a red lipstick. If I had a choice, I would have gone for a simpler look, but simplicity doesn't exist in my family.

Nanatili lamang akong nakatayo habang walang ekspresyong nakatitig sa aking sarili. Hindi ko na kinailangang gumalaw dahil may mga taong gumagawa noon para sa akin. I felt like a doll being dressed up. I should be used to spending hours to dress up in my luxurious walk-in closet just to impress guests but it always feel the same every time.

Dullness.

Marahang hinawakan ng isang kasambahay ang aking kamay. Isinuot niya ang isang pares ng puting gloves sa aking kamay hanggang siko. I raised my hand so she immediately stopped. I believe this is a simple thing that I should do. Hindi na kailangan ng tao para gawin pa iyon para sa akin.

"S-Senyorita..." napayuko sa kaba ang kasambahay.

"Mama's not looking. It's okay. I can do it," bulong ko.

Tumango siya at ipinaubaya sa akin iyon, nakayuko pa rin at kinakabahang maabutan ni Mama. Mabilis kong sinuot ang gloves para makahinga siya ng maluwag. Pagkatapos ay ipinatong na sa aking magkabilang braso ang puting fur coat. It elegantly hanged from my shoulders down to my arms.

The double doors opened. Nagsinghapan at nagsiyukuan ang mga tao nang makitang si Mama ang pumasok. My mother strutted the room in a languid manner as she eyed me from head to toe.

"All done?" she asked.

"Yes, Madame. We apologize if Annabeth Federova couldn't come-"

"It's alright," putol ni Mama sabay taas ng kamay. "Leave us, please..."

I gasped upon hearing that. Nakayukong nagsialisan ang mga tao at naiwan kaming dalawa ni Mama. I tore my eyes off the mirror and slightly looked sideways but Mama immediately lifted my chin and brought my gaze back to the mirror. She was already behind me, staring directly at my eyes in my reflection.