Beneath Possession

I woke up feeling refreshed, my arms stretching out as I yawned. The excitement of the competition had been building up all week, and I was more than ready to take on the challenge. My days had been filled with part-time jobs and learning new skills from my mom, who had been an incredible mentor. Under her guidance, my techniques had improved significantly, and I was eager to put them to the test.

As I got ready for the day, I put on my favorite playlist and danced my way through the morning routine. Brushing my teeth and singing along to the music, I felt carefree and energized. After a refreshing bath, I slipped into my blue denim jeans and a white satin crop top. A spritz of perfume and a quick hairstyle, with two buns framing my face, completed my look. I finished off with the pearl earrings my mom had given me, feeling confident and prepared.

As I headed downstairs, I expected to see my mom waiting for me. Instead, I was surprised to find my dad sitting on the couch, a smile plastered on his face. It was then that I remembered today was not only the day of the competition but also the day of the arranged meeting with my suitor.

My heart sank, and my excitement began to wane. I had been trying to push the thought of the meeting to the back of my mind, focusing instead on the competition,I tried thinking of ways

or what to say to dodge today's date, but nothing was coming. I noticed my dad looking at me with a proud smile on his face. I guess he must have thought I was dressed for the date. Well, trying to put on a perfectionary face, I greeted him.

"Good morning, dad."

"Good morning, my lovely daughter. I guess you must be prepared for the date, but no one wears this to date, dear. I got you something," he replied with a proud smile on his face.

This was the only time he'd gotten me something in years. Only if he knew I was prepared for the competition, not some date. I tried acting calm while racking my brain for a way out.

Getting closer, I picked up the bag my dad pointed outs and I felt a surge of panic as I took the bag, my heart racing with desperation. Inside, I found a stunning pink gown that left me breathless, immediately I turned to my dad looking shocked...

Stella's Dad: "You look shocked, right? Well, that's for you, my lady. Go up and get dressed. You don't have much time left."

He then turned to my mom and asked her to help me get dressed. I felt pained, but I endured everything, thinking of a plan.

On entering my room, I opened the box. No doubt, the dress looked really beautiful. It was my first time owning a nice dress like this, but that didn't put a smile on my face. My mom asked to see the dress more up close, and I gave it to her while asking her what's the way out of this.

And then I saw a smile slowly creep on her face. I had no idea what was going through her head, so I asked her, "Mom, what's wrong? Why are you smiling?"

As I entered my room, I opened the box, and the beautiful dress lay before me. It was the most gorgeous dress I'd ever owned, but it didn't bring a smile to my face.

My mom asked to see the dress up close, and I handed it to her. "Mom, what's the way out of this?" I whispered urgently.

A sly smile spread across her face, and I was intrigued. "Mom, what's wrong? Why are you smiling?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me....