As Guinevere changed into her casual attire, she couldn't help but overhear the muffled voices coming from downstairs. Thomas was showing Josephine around, his excitement palpable even through the closed door. Guinevere rolled her eyes, annoyed by his overzealousness.
Once dressed, she grabbed her phone and headed out, ignoring the lingering stares from the servants as she passed by. She stepped out into the crisp morning air, relishing the feeling of freedom that came with leaving the mansion behind.
Penelope's house was only a short walk away, and Guinevere arrived just as Penelope was stepping out of her front door.
"There you are!" Penelope exclaimed, waving enthusiastically.
"Ready to go shopping? I found this amazing boutique downtown that I think you'll love."
Guinevere smiled, falling into step beside her friend.
"Lead the way," she said, pushing all thoughts of Josephine and her newfound family drama to the back of her mind.
As they walked, Penelope chatted excitedly about the upcoming masquerade ball.
The two girls went to get their hair done. The person who has done Guinevere hair since she was a small child is Kyle and he was gay.
"Ahhh girl your red hair makes me so jealous tell me do you diy it?" Kyle teased Guinevere who indifferently rolled her eyes. Kyle is a famous hair stylist who countless want him to do their hair.
Kyle chuckled, shaking his head as he began to style Guinevere's hair. He knew her well enough to understand that she wasn't one for small talk or excessive chatter.
"So, what's the occasion?" he asked, expertly weaving her hair into an intricate braid.
"A masquerade ball," Penelope answered for her, grinning excitedly.
"It's for Guinevere's birthday."
"Ooh, a masquerade ball!" Kyle exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with interest.
"I love those. You'll need a stunning mask to go with that gorgeous hair of yours."
He paused, tilting his head as he considered her features.
"I have just the thing," he said finally.
"Come by the salon tomorrow afternoon, and I'll have something perfect picked out for you."
Guinevere nodded, trusting Kyle's judgment when it came to fashion and accessories.
As Kyle finished styling her hair, Guinevere caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.
"Guin darling my oh my you are so beautiful with your red hair, green dark hazel eyes, and beautiful freckles, that's why I have a model photo of you in front of my store when you were a small my little small model! Wait tomorrow you most allow few photos so I can post them?" Kyle said.
Guinevere looked at Kyle through the mirror, his eyes pleading and hopeful. She sighed softly, knowing that she couldn't deny him this small request.
"Fine," she relented, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"But only a few, and they have to be tasteful."
Kyle clapped his hands together, his face lighting up with joy.
"Thank you, thank you!" he exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"You won't regret it, Guin! I promise these photos will be stunning."
Penelope grinned, nudging Guinevere gently with her elbow.
"See? Even Kyle can't resist your charm," she teased lightly.
"What is so good about me having red hair?"
Kyle laughed, shaking his head as he gathered his styling tools.
"It's not just the red hair, darling," he said, waving a hand dismissively.
"It's the whole package. Those striking green eyes, those adorable freckles, that porcelain skin... You're a rare beauty, Guin. It's no wonder I've been dying to showcase your look in my salon."
He leaned in closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
"And let's not forget about those curves," he added with a wink.
"They're to die for."
Penelope giggled, elbowing Guinevere playfully.
"See? Even Kyle thinks you're gorgeous," she said, grinning mischievously.
Guinevere rolled her eyes, but a faint blush crept onto her cheeks nonetheless.
"Kyle are you turning straight!" Guinevere joked.
"Pfff me! Never! My husband would beat me! Anyway my husband also has a mask for the three of you girls," Kyle said.
"Oooh okay we will come here tomorrow afternoon with Lily."
The next afternoon, Guinevere, Lily, and Penelope arrived at Kyle's salon, their arms linked as they walked through the door. The bell chimed merrily overhead, announcing their arrival.
Kyle looked up from his station, his eyes widening as he took in the trio's appearance.
"My goodness, you three are a vision," he breathed, fanning himself dramatically.
"Come here, come here!" he beckoned, waving them over excitedly.
He had laid out three stunning masks on his workstation a silver one adorned with pearls and lace for Guinevere, a gold one with intricate filigree work for Lily, and a delicate white one with Swarovski crystals for Penelope.
"I've been dying to see these on you," he said, handing each girl her respective mask.
Guinevere slipped hers on first, adjusting it carefully. The silver fabric shimmered in the light, complementing her red hair and green eyes perfectly.
"It's beautiful," she murmured appreciatively.
Lily and Penelope echoed her sentiment as they tried on their own masks. The three of them stood side by side in front of the mirror, admiring their reflections.
"Kyle," a woman voice said and Guinevere saw Grace with Josephine.
"Mrs. Blackwater and this is…"
"Oh this is my niece Josephine would do you do her hair style and make up?" Grace asked she then saw Guinevere frowned.
"Guin come and introduce your friends to Josephine."
Guinevere snorted. Penelope and Lily both stepped forward.
"Nice to meet you, Josephine," Penelope said warmly, extending her hand.
Josephine hesitated for a moment before shaking it hesitantly.
"And you too," she murmured, her eyes darting nervously between the three girls.
Lily smiled brightly, linking her arm with Josephine's.
"Come on, let's get you settled in with Kyle. I'm sure he'll do wonders for your hair."
As Lily led Josephine away, Grace turned her attention back to Guinevere.
"Guin, darling, could I have a word with you?" she asked softly, her expression unreadable.
Guinevere nodded stiffly, following her mother out of the salon and into the quiet hallway.
"Tomorrow the DNA test would be out, your father and I are 100% sure is our daughter, the things you have should have been hers," Grace said. Guinevere chuckled.
"So you want me to give my sworn sisters to her!" Guinevere asked with a sneer.