The Ball was in one week and Dad told me today a designer will come to get my measurements so he can prepare my gown for the ball night.

It was sort of, no, it was very strange. I have never worn a gown and someone was coming to take my measurements.

2-3 hours later, I was in my room completing my homework as it was weekend when I heard 2 knocks on my door.

I scrambled from my desk and went to open the door. I was greeted Ethan and two strangers. One was man around the age of maybe 40 and the other was a girl and looked like his assistant.

"Is this her?" The man asked Ethan gaping at me.

"Yes this is my sister" Ethan answered proudly.

I smiled at them and greeted them by bowing.

The man hugged me gently.

"It's so good to know that one Valentino has etiquettes." He joked after parting.

I laughed along with the assistant girl.

Ethan grumbled annoyingly.

"God Bless you child" The man whose name I still don't know said to me. He was looking at me like I'm his own daughter.

"Hi I'm Elisa Valentino." I introduced.

"I know Elisa. I'm Edward Jones but you can call me Eddy. And this is my assistant Sora."

Sora waved at me and i returned the gesture with a smile.

"We're here to take your measurements so we can make you the prettiest in the birthday party of some other dude." He said beaming at me.

"Please come in"

It took 15 min for the measurements and then came the time to choose the kind of design I wanted. They had the whole booklet on types of gowns with all the different sort of colors.

It was really difficult to select having so many cool designs and colors.

It took me around half an hour on going over all the details. They were also going to provide me with footwear according to the dress.

They both were friendly and Edward I guess was a family friend although Ethan was with me the whole time knowing I don't get comfortable around strangers fast.

p

It was the day before the ball. It was in the evening tomorrow. My dress has arrived and I tried all the fittings and it was perfect. I thanked Edward and Sora.

It was all packed since I was going to get ready at the place where ball was going to held.

Next morning we all are heading to airport. I didn't know we were going to fly somewhere else.

Upon asking they said it's a surprise on where we are going.

I held Twin's hands while taking off and while landing as it was still a little odd and terrifying for me.

Cars were already ready when we arrived. Lots of guards were there. We were escorted to our destination.

It was already 2 in the afternoon and Dad told me that artist will be there to get me ready. We arrived at our destination and my dress was already in my assigned room. the room was huge. Other's room were right next to mine.

I got a call. It was from Ryan.

'Come to Dad's room. We are here to have some lunch.'

"Coming in 2 minutes"

I changed to some comfortable clothes since I had to change again and went to dad's room.

Lunch was already set up and we ate while talking and gossiping but still they didn't tell me the location.

We all ate and went back to our rooms to get ready.

I quickly took a bath and washed my hair. When I got out I was in my bathrobe.

I wondered when the artists will come and just then my thoughts were interrupted by two knocks.

I went and open the door and there standing were the artists who were going to show their magic on me. I smiled and welcomed them.

There were 4 of them and they all got to work. We talked frequently in between making small conversations.

It took 1 and half hour for my makeup and hair. It was almost 6:45 and we have to head out at around 7 as Dad told.

I then quickly changed into my dress which was quite difficult but the artists helped me so I don't ruin the makeup and hair.

They adjusted the dress and my hair for final look and then I walked to mirror.

The girl standing in front of me in the mirror wasn't me. She was someone happier, prettier and bolder. She was Me. The girl who was broken and bruised was replaced.

My eyes were wide looking at me and gawking me. I'm looking stunning.

I turned around and the artists said.

"Your very beautiful."

"She's right"

"This dress suits you alot"

"You're going to rock the Ball"

I laughed and genuinely thanked them.

Soon knocks appeared and I said come in. I knew it was my family and suddenly I was excited for there reactions.

First came Noah, followed by Twins and Dustin.

Noah froze midway looking at me which resulted Dustin to bump into him and and Twins to bump into Dustin. Dustin cursed stupid to Noah and then looked at me, the reason of Noah's frozen state.

As soon as they saw me they froze. I swirled around and showed off my dress.

"So how am I looking? " I asked.

Their mouths were hanging open with wide eyes.

"I knew you were beautiful but this is-" Noah spoke.

"You're looking breathtaking" Twins said.

"We have to protect her from the eyes of other males also, she's looking very beautiful and definitely will catch attention" Dustin said seriously and i giggled at his possessiveness and Blushed listening to their comments.

We went downstairs where apparently others were. They were near cars as the ball was at some other place.

When I reached them their back was facing me. I cleared my throat and they spun to look at me.

Again their expression was priceless.

They were looking at me with so much adoration.

"My princess" Dad said while kissing my forehead.

"You're gorgeous Sweety" Ethan said.

I looked at Ryan waiting for his response.

"You're beautiful Bambina" He said and for 1 min even I was shocked and I blushed again.

We huddled in cars and soon reached the place where ball was held. I was the last to get out of the car and Ryan helped me.

"Ready? " He asked and offered me his arm.

"Always" I said and took his arm. Dad was walking in front of us and my brothers were surrounding us. I can sense the power they oozed.

They were attention grabbers.

Heavy security was there. Of course because it was a mafia ball. Dad told me not to worry coz nobody will dare to mess with us. Did I tell that I have a knife strapped. Where my dress splits.

We greeted few people and conversation was still going on and I was bored since they were all talking business. I was still with Ryan and I started looking around when I saw Dad spoke,

"Let's go wish the Birthday to him."

And we all started going ina particular direction. And then I saw him. His side profile was visible. I froze. Not able to believe my eyes.

'How?' Suddenly not caring about anything. I left Ryan's arm and sped walked to his direction.

Dad and Ryan were calling me but ignored not wanting to stop until I reach him.

I reached him and everyone were still behind me. I didn't care.

I held his arm and turned him around and I don't know what took over me and I punched him.

I punched the Birthday Boy.

I punched Ivan Volkov.

My best friend whom I missed so much.

Gasps were heard and Silence took over the place.

Suddenly guards rushed towards us pointing there guns at me but I was not afraid. Dad and my brothers quickly came to guard me and pointed their guns in the direction of guards. But I really didn't care about my surroundings. I was just focused on him.

His face turned sideways from the impact of punch and without looking at me he took his gun out and pointed towards me.

He looked at me. Like clearly looked at me. I had tears in my eyes. His face turned from fury to surprise to happy.

He dropped his gun and hugged me. Like really tight hug. He can tell I was crying and hugged me even harder. Again Gasps were heard.

We parted. And he held my face.

"Elisa? Is this really you? My Shorty?"