Disclaimer: i don't own anything except my OG character Elizabeth Carter.
God I can't believe I actually accepted this offer. At the time it sounded fine. Sing for a few hours, make enough money to pay at least a few months rent, then go home and change into clothes that didn't make feel suffocated to death. I never even considered who was behind the Mayor's fundraiser I'd be entertaining for- the most powerful billionaire and playboy of Gotham- Bruce Wayne. I already knew this would be a long night filled with fake laughter and nonsense political conversations about our future mayor. At least I wouldn't have to hear it. Or that's what I thought.
I have never felt so ridiculous in my entire life. The night before the event I heard a knock at my door. Confused I got up to check through the tiny peephole on the door and become even more confused. I opened the door and an older man in a suit smiled at me. He had a rack of clothes along with boxes right beside him.
"Hello, Ms. My name is Alfred. Master Wayne has sent me to leave these in your care for the event. Don't worry about returning them. They are yours to keep. A gift if you must." The older man's voice was so polite and posh it was disarming.
"Master Wayne?" My wide eyes were filled with confusion.
"Yes, Ms. Bruce Wayne the man who hired you for this event." Bruce Wayne? How did I not even think about that? Ugh I feel like such an idiot. Of course it was his event he sponsored the Mayor faithfully.
"May I transfer these inside Ms.?" Alfred seemed incredibly uncomfortable just standing in the hall watching me slowly process the situation.
"Oh! Sure. Yes. Of Course. Come in." I said opening the door wider. He entered my apartment dragging the rack and boxes with him placing them just in front of my coat closet across from where I was standing still holding the door.
"Is this really necessary? I've already purchased a dress for the event. I don't need this… this gift from Mr. Wayne. Honestly, I couldn't accept this." I couldn't stop staring at the bags. I was trying to be as polite as possible hoping not to offend this sweet old man. He was just doing his job. The errand of an arrogant rich disgusting excuse of a man. When I finally looked over at Alfred he just smiled softly. How does he work for such a shallow person?
"Master Wayne insists. It was lovely to meet you Ms." Alfred continued to smile as he spoke and walked towards the front door.
"Have a nice rest of your night Ms. Carter." He continued.
"Thank you, Alfred. And to you as well." I smiled a little awkwardly and watched as he turned to leave down the hallway. I closed the door and was suddenly filled anger when I turned and saw all the "gifts" left for me. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply through my nose. This is so degrading. Why would I need an expensive over the top dress for one event? Well I guess it made sense. There will be tons of rich sophisticated people there and I can't be wearing some cheap dress. It's the Mayor's fundraiser for God's sake. But I still feel gross for accepting it.
I walked up the one of the bags hanging from the rack unzipping it and gasped. It was stunning skintight red velvet Versace gown with long sleeves and a modest V neckline. The color was so rich and the fabric was so lush. Oh my god! This must've cost at least a few grand! I felt sick to my stomach. How could someone spend so much on one dress? I didn't even want to see the rest of them. I knew it would only make me feel worse. I zipped the bag back up and walked straight into the kitchen. I needed a glass of red wine immediately.
The next day I had decided to look up Mr. Wayne's address so I could return everything but the dress I'd wear that night. Earlier when I opened the boxes, I discovered pairs of shoes and accessories all designed to match each dress I assumed since there were 5 dresses and 5 pairs of shoes. I closed the box and shoved it towards the rack. That is definitely doing to be returned. I went to the post office to grab enough boxes to send the gifts back to Mr. Wayne. After I got home and packed everything, but the red dress up, which I would return after the fundraiser I began to get ready for the event that would change my life.
The event began at 7 so I decided to get ready around 4. That would give me enough time to actually put effort into my hair and makeup. I took a quick shower and then spent a little more time shaving every inch of my body. I always felt more confident when I was completely clean-shaven. I put vanilla scented lotion all over my body enjoying the smell and then put on my cheap white robe. It felt so nice to just sit in something so ordinary I thought as I saw the most expensive dress I had ever seen out of the corner of my eye. Breathe, Elizabeth. This will all be over soon enough. I opened my eyes and stared at myself in the mirror. I wasn't particularly beautiful. I was about 5'6 with lightly tanned skin, light brown hair, and blue eyes. My nose was a little piggy, but I've learned to live with it. I had an average build with B cup breasts. I stared at my hair, which was still hair drying. I guess I'll just start with makeup. I pinned my hair up and got to work. After about a half an hour of trying to do my makeup, I settled on something simple. A brown smoky eye and a light pink lip. I put a dash of blush on my cheeks so I would look more alive.
My hair was almost done drying, but I sped up the process with my hairdryer. I lightly curled my hair and pinned it all to one side so it was softly cascading down one side on my shoulder. I looked at the time and noticed I had about thirty minutes to put my dress, heels, and earrings on. Just enough time I thought briefly. I just wish I had more time to relax. I don't know why I felt so edgy. I did events like this around Gotham all the time. I just shook my head trying to get rid of the negative thoughts and then glanced at the gown. Well here goes nothing. I carefully removed the gown from its bag and laid it on my bed. I put on my plain black heels, which I've used so many times before it's embarrassing. I unzipped the back off the dress and stepped into it. It slid softly up my legs, over my hips and onto my arms. I zipped it up slowly trying to be as careful as possible. I changed my earrings to something more appropriate and grabbed my clutch tossing in my phone, lip-gloss, and cash. I glanced in the mirror on my out and I didn't even recognize myself. I looked so sultry, so classy. It felt so odd, but strangely good. I guess it doesn't hurt to dress up every now and then. I glanced in the mirror one more time to make sure everything was in place and headed towards the door.
As soon as I exited the building I noticed the cab I had called for earlier and went straight to it. I gave him the address, which happened to be the Wayne Manor and then leaned back in my seat and looked out the window. The city was always so much prettier at night.