Ella was a slave—not just to her stepmother, but to her two stepsisters as well. Day after day, she worked tirelessly, her hands raw and her spirit worn thin. The house wasn't a home; it was a prison disguised with painted walls and laughter that never belonged to her.
"Go mop the roof," Julia, her stepmother, ordered with a sharp wave of her hand.
"Get me a coffee," Tessy added, barely glancing up from her magazine.
"Wash my clothes," Jess chimed in, tossing a heap of laundry into Ella's arms. She barely managed to catch it all, but nodded silently.
Ella obeyed each command without protest. Her shoulders hunched, and her eyes lowered as if she'd forgotten what it meant to look up. She moved like someone who had learned to survive by disappearing.
She never asked for anything. Not a new dress. Not a warm meal. Not even a kind word. She had no courage left—not when it came to asking her stepmother for the things she truly desired.
---
Far away, beyond the quiet suffering of Ella's small world, a prince returned to his kingdom after months of war. The sound of trumpets filled the air as he marched through the city gates, sword at his side, victory in every step. Brian was no longer just a prince—he looked like a king. The people cheered, the skies seemed brighter, and even the wind carried his triumph.
Inside the grand castle, King Jeff awaited his son with pride. The two sat side by side on golden chairs, the throne room gleaming beneath the chandelier's light.
"You're due to get married," the king said, his tone warm but firm. "Your mother wants to host a royal ball this evening."
Brian gave a slow nod. "Then let it be done."
Outside, news spread quickly. Invitations were sent out. The entire village buzzed with excitement.
---
Ella heard the announcement while sweeping the front steps. For the first time in weeks, her heart fluttered with hope. She imagined herself at the ball, dancing beneath glittering lights, wearing a gown that shimmered like stars.
But the dream was short-lived.
Her stepmother, Julia, bought new dresses—royal blue for Tessy, deep purple for Jess. The girls squealed with joy as they tried them on, their makeup perfect, their hair styled into elegant buns. They looked like real princesses, fanning themselves dramatically as they posed in the mirror.
Ella watched from the doorway, clutching the edge of her worn apron.
"Stepmother," she said quietly, "may I have a dress too? Just something simple?"
Tessy laughed cruelly. "Poor Ella. Do you really think a prince would look at someone like you? You're not even worth the dirt on his shoes."
"That's right," Jess added smugly. "He's going to notice me, not a maid in rags."
"Enough!" Julia snapped, silencing them both. She turned to Ella, her eyes cold. "You don't have a dress, and you don't belong at a royal ball. But if you finish cleaning the entire house... perhaps you can wear one of your sisters' old dresses. Not that it'll matter."
With that, she walked out with Tessy and Jess, locking the door behind them. Their laughter echoed through the hallway, a cruel melody that made Ella's chest ache.
---
Left alone, Ella scrubbed the floors as fast as she could, her mind racing. When the last dish was done and the dust wiped clean, she rushed to the closet and pulled out a faded dress—once beautiful, now wrinkled and torn at the hem. She slipped into it quickly, hoping she might still make it to the ball.
But as she reached for the door, she realized... it wouldn't open.
Her stepmother had locked it.
"No…" she whispered, jiggling the handle. "Please…"
She pounded on the door, panic rising in her chest. But there was no answer. The windows were too high, the walls too thick. She was trapped.
And then, her strength left her.
Ella fell to her knees, clutching the skirt of her sister's old dress, and sobbed—long, deep cries that filled the empty house. She cried for the dream she lost, for the life she lived, and for the girl inside her who still believed in magic.
And all the while, the ball had already begun.
*****
As Ella wept, her sobs echoing in the silent house, a sudden shimmer of silver light filled the room. A figure emerged from the glow—a beautiful woman in a flowing gown, her hair like moonlight and a silver wand sparkling in her hand.
"Don't cry, dear child," the fairy said softly, her voice like a lullaby. "I've come to help you."
Ella looked up in awe, tears still clinging to her lashes.
"You've been so brave," the fairy continued. "And tonight, you deserve to shine."
With a graceful wave of her wand, she murmured, "Mirabel Luxa Estoria!" In an instant, Ella's rags transformed into a magnificent blue gown that shimmered like starlight. Her tangled hair curled and lifted into a soft, elegant updo. Her face glowed with gentle beauty, as if she'd stepped out of a dream.
The fairy then turned to the small animals huddled near Ella—her only friends. With another flick of her wand, she whispered, "Amicus Forma Humanum!" The rats, penguin, and scruffy dogs transformed into elegant footmen, their eyes still glimmering with the loyal kindness Ella had always known.
Outside, the old wooden cart that sat broken by the house began to shake and glow. It grew taller, grander—golden wheels, fine trim, and a polished seat. Though not a car, it became a beautiful enchanted carriage, fit for royalty.
Ella gasped, speechless.
"Thank you," she breathed, tears of joy this time.
But the fairy gently held her back.
"One last touch," she said with a smile, turning Ella's worn shoes into elegant, sparkling glass slippers that shimmered in the moonlight. "And remember—when the clock strikes twelve, everything will return to how it was. So run, my dear. Run as soon as the last chime echoes."
Then, with a swirl of silver mist, the fairy vanished into the night.
---
Ella arrived at the palace ball, and every eye turned to her. Her dress shimmered like the stars themselves. The girls in the ballroom—Tessy and Jess among them—stared in disbelief. None recognized her. Not even her own family.
Prince Brian stood at the far end of the room, but the moment his eyes met hers, the crowd faded around him. He crossed the floor without hesitation, stopping in front of her and offering his hand.
"I'm Prince Brian," he said, smiling warmly.
"I'm Ella," she replied softly. "With no name to attach to it. I'm not a noble daughter or anything. Just... Ella."
Brian's eyes sparkled. "You look beautiful—and you wear such fine clothes, yet carry no title."
"It was my…" She paused. "It doesn't matter."
Brian chuckled. "So what do you like doing, Ella?"
"I like chores, singing... and playing with my best friends, Kila and Flem."
"Are your friends here tonight?"
"No, they're animals... I guess that sounds weird."
He shook his head. "Not at all. You're perfect just the way you are."
"Thank you," she whispered, smiling.
They danced. They laughed. The night spun around them like a dream. But then—the clock began to chime.
Twelve.
Ella's face paled. She turned and fled, running down the grand staircase. In her haste, one of her glass slippers slipped from her foot and clattered onto the marble floor.
"Wait!" Brian called after her, but she was gone.
---
Outside, the carriage vanished. Her friends returned to their animal forms. Her dress faded into worn fabric, her hair fell loose. But she made it home—barely—just in time to hear the lock turn. She threw herself on the bed and pretended to sleep.
Downstairs, she heard her stepsisters gossiping.
"Who was that girl?"
"I don't know," Tessy said. "But she looked so much like Ella."
"Impossible," Jess snorted. "Ella could never…"
The next morning, the town buzzed with news.
"The prince has fallen in love with a mystery girl," the royal announcer declared. "She left behind a glass slipper. Whoever the shoe fits shall be his bride!"
Girls lined the streets, giggling, trying on the slipper—but none of them fit. The prince grew anxious. Then word came: there was one house left unchecked.
Brian himself went along.
At the house, Tessy and Jess tried on the shoe. Tessy's feet were too thin. Jess's, too wide.
"Is there no one else here?" Brian asked.
Julia hesitated. "Just our maid. Ella. But she didn't go to the ball."
"Let me see her."
Just then, Ella appeared at the top of the stairs. Their eyes met. She froze. So did he.
"Try this shoe, milady," he said, kneeling.
She stepped down. The shoe fit perfectly.
"It's you," he whispered. "You're the girl."
The room was silent. Her stepfamily stared in disbelief.
Brian stood and took her hand. "Come with me."
---
They were married in the castle, and the kingdom rejoiced. Ella—no longer a servant—became their beloved princess.
As the curtains closed, the cast gathered on stage, holding hands as the audience applauded. Even Alice cheered from the crowd, proud of her Aunt.
Then, Brian turned to Vicky, not realizing the spotlight still lingered.
"I have something to say," he began.
"What is it?" Vicky asked, wiping sweat from her brow.
"You look beautiful in that dress. And your performance—it was perfect."
Vicky blushed. "Thanks. I could say the same to you."
Brian took a breath. "So... I want to ask you to prom. Would you be my date—my Cinderella?"
Vicky stared at him, stunned, then laughed softly. "Are you for real?"
He nodded.
This was her moment. One she didn't want to lose.
"Yes," she said, beaming. "I'll be your prom queen."
The audience, realizing they were still watching, let out a chorus of warm laughter and "awws." The two leaned in for a hug, and though they hesitated when they noticed the crowd, the moment still ended with a shy, sweet kiss as the lights finally dimmed.
And just like that, the fairytale slipped from the stage... into real life.