Chapter 29 The Ashford Family Cordially invites You Dearest Miss April and Miss Pine Farrah , It is our pleasure to invite you to a Grand Ball hosted at the Ashford Estate , an occasion to celebrate the distinguished company of our esteemed guests and contestants ... The next day , along with the rest of the contestants , I read and reread the invitation over and over again , gratefully noting that June is invited too , which is a relief because no way in hell am I leaving her behind ever again . Did they know that ? I wonder . Is that why they invited her too ? Is this some roundabout way of trying to make up for last night ? Did Nathan have anything to do with this ? Or I could be wrong , and this is just another clever publicity stunt . " Dramatic much , " Eliza mumbles , turning her own fancy embossed invitation over in her hands . " I assume you all have read and understand the invitations you've been given , " Easton says , stepping up on stage . " I've emphasized that everything you do in this competition is important - but your attendance at this ball , your appearance , and your overall behavior is inarguably the most important yet . " I didn't think there would be anything more stressful than yesterday , but here I stand , thoroughly corrected . " First of all , we will double down on your dance lessons , teaching you a variety of specially curated and choreographed dances you will be expected to perform flawlessly at the event . As for your attire , the invitation states formal evening wear and a guideline frame - in reality , you are completely in charge of your attire for that evening . " My ears perk up at that , my interest suddenly piqued . " Working with an assigned team of tailors , you will each design your own outfits for that night . You're allowed to design however you want , and you're encouraged to showcase your personality and creativity through your attire . " His words set my heart pounding , a familiar giddy feeling I haven't felt in a long time spreading through me . When I was younger , and my biggest problem was trying to figure out which outfits would draw Nathan's attention ( spoiler : none of them did ) , my favorite thing to do was doodle random designs in my notebooks . Then , my parents died , and we could barely afford three square meals coupled with June's medication . My little sister was still growing and needed new clothes often . So I'd take the scraps of her old clothes and make new ones for her out of them - first by hand with a needle and thread and then with a used sewing machine I bought cheap at a garage sale . In another world , in another life where I didn't have a sick , dependent sister or the need to constantly work for money , I'd be a fashion designer . I study Biomedical Science because I'm book smart , and it's one of the fastest growing industries , so I'll get a good job easily . Plus , I have this foolish notion of helping to cure diabetes - or at least doing research to help make my sister's life easier . But if I didn't have to do that , I would study fashion . It's my deepest , most unrealistic dream - to move to New York and study in the Fashion Institute of Technology , to become an independent designer , and open my own fashion studio . But it's a pipe dream - up there in the sky , along with marrying an Ashford . But this chance to design my dress for the ball ... It's the closest I might ever get to my dream , and I'm almost dizzy with excitement and anticipation . Later , in the drawing room where we're being measured , when I tell the tailor that I want to make mine and June's dresses , she looks scandalized . * Please ? " I ask , biting my lip . " It would mean the world to me. " " Um , miss , I don't think- " " I'll take responsibility , " I say , hoping it won't turn out to be a big deal for the Ashfords . 1/3 P Chapter 29 And that's how , an hour later , I find myself staring euphorically at the sewing machine and workbench arranged against the wall in my room . With June out with Eliza , my friend promising not to let my sister out of her sight or eat anything suspicious , I'm alone with the beautiful machine , my mind whirling wildly with all the designs I could bring to life . I take a seat at the workbench , and as I do , an image flashes in my mind - of Nathan , wincing in pain as he stood yesterday . A small smile spreads on my face . All I could say yesterday was thank you , but now I can do something to express my gratitude . And what better way to christen my new sewing machine than to make something for Nathan ? The next two days fly by in a flurry of activity . Between dance classes and etiquette lessons , I spend every waking moment in my room , my hands working tirelessly at my sewing machine . I've never made anything like this before , and I make tons of mistakes . I have to start again , and I spend hours in the computer room poring over YouTube videos . I barely feel the little pinpricks of the needle or the hand cramps . And then , finally , I finish the last stitch on the knee brace . My fingers caress the soft velvet cover and the initials , ' N.A ' hand - embroidered in green , Nathan's favorite color ( thank you , June ) . Without giving myself time to doubt the quality of the gift or talk myself out of giving it to him , I rush out of my room , noting that we have dinner in an hour and we're dining with the Ashfords again . I want to give it to him before that . Rushing out of my room , I almost slam into a maid . " Whoa ! " I catch myself just in time . " I'm so sorry , " she gasps , her eyes wide . I shake my head . " Oh no , I'm sorry . I was in a rush . " " Is there anything you need ? " she asks politely . I recognize her as one of Valerie's maids - Claire , I think . " I was just looking for Na Master Nathan , or maybe Isaac if he's around . " " Oh ? May I ask why ? " 1 gesture to the knee brace sheepishly . " I want to give him this . " She glances at it and smiles softly . " That's beautiful . " " Thank you . " She stretches her hand out . " I can have it delivered for you . " I hesitate . " I don't think- " From the corner of my eye , I see Eliza and June approaching the room with the stylist teams behind them to help us get ready for dinner . I sigh , realizing I don't have much of a choice . " Okay . " I reluctantly hand the brace to her . " Please make sure he gets it - from April . " She smiles . " I will . " Then she turns and walks down the hall , a slight spring in her step . Before I wonder if I made the right decision or should've just held on to it till I could give Nathan myself , I'm swept under the wave of stylists , makeup , and dresses . I console myself with the fact that I'll see him during dinner . My body hums with nervous anticipation . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!