2. Dereon Hall

The picture of elegance and finesse in her deep lilac Alexander McQueen evening gown hugging her curvaceous figure, Black Goya Ruban Alta Louboutin platforms, and minimal jewelry, Elizabeth steps out of the black Maybach with her mother's words ringing in her head. Looking up at the beautiful mansion, she sighs and heads inside. 

These events always fascinated her, the glamour, the glitz, and elegance. Not that she was self-centered or spoilt, Elizabeth was a designer with her own Haute couture fashion house and these events always inspired her. Looking around like a little kid at Christmas time, she thinks to herself, "Maybe tonight won't be so bad..." then immediately her mind goes to 'landing August Dereon' and she groans inwardly. 

Taking a glass of champagne from a waiter, she decides to force herself to have a good time. Walking towards the Hors d'Oeuvres table, she picks up a tiny fairy cupcake and proceeds to nibble on it.

Walking around the room, she starts making polite conversation with the other guests.

"Well, well, well look what the cat dragged in in last season's Alexander McQueen." Elizabeth groans and looks behind her, "Evelyn, nice to see you too." She says to the lady who appeared behind her and smiles sweetly.

Evelyn Forrester. Her ex-best friend from high school who decided randomly one day that Elizabeth will be her rival. Elizabeth is still not sure how they became friends as they have nothing in common at all (Elizabeth loves fashion, Evelyn is just a socialite) except for being from affluent families.

"Here to try and steal August Dereon's heart?" Evelyn throws her head back and cackles, "Good luck with that, sweety. Rumour has it he prefers blonde outgoing girls. So don't even bother." She says and looks Elizabeth up and down. "Why did this bitch have to be here?" she thinks inwardly and smiles at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth stares at her, "Actually no, I'm not." she responds, "I'm here getting inspiration for my new line. Looking at all these beautiful people and the architecture of Dereon Hall, I'm already brimming with ideas!" Evelyn looks at her with contempt and stares daggers.

"Ew, work. Well, whatever makes you sleep at night, Lizzy," she responds and walks away.

"Could this night get better please?" Elizabeth thinks and walks around the hall. She finds a door leading out into the balcony and steps outside. She understands the connections this possible union could give, but frankly, she didn't care. She's only 25 and did not feel like being tied down now. She still had so much to do and accomplish! Looking despondent, she leans on the balcony's railing and sighs.

"Running away from the crowd?"