Chapter 2: Chapter 2: A Shared Moment
As the evening sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Sinclair mansion, Sadie stands before her intricately carved Italian wood vanity, her heart pounding with anticipation. Tonight's dinner, hosted by her father in honor of her deceased mother's pet charity- the Red Cross, promises grandeur and significance. Even Clara Barton herself will be in attendance.
As Sadie delicately fingers the intricate embroidery of her satin gown embellished with lace, a soft sigh escapes her lips. The brass buttons that trail down the back of the dress seem to taunt her.
Just as frustration threatens to overwhelm her, the door creaks open, and Elise enters the room.
Still unsure as to why, Sadie's heart skips a beat at the sight of her.
"Elise," Sadie breathes, turning to face the young woman beside her. "I can't thank you enough for your help tonight. I fear I would be lost without you."
Elise responds with a delicate smile, her brown eyes reflecting genuine warmth. "It's my pleasure, Miss Sinclair," she replies softly, almost whispering. "I'm honored to assist you in any way I can."
Elise approaches, a subtle fragrance of lavender and rosemary envelops Sadie, a comforting reminder of life's simpler pleasures. With practiced ease, Elise takes hold of the delicate fabric of Sadie's gown, her fingers deftly navigating the intricate loops and fastenings.
The satin and lace dress drapes elegantly over Sadie's slender frame, its rich emerald hue casting a flattering glow against her porcelain skin. The gown is cut to accent every curve of her body, and she cannot help but feel empowered as she studies herself in the mirror.
As Elise works, Sadie is mesmerized by the grace of her movements. The gentle brush of her fingers against her skin sends a thrill of warmth coursing through her veins. Sadie can feel the heat of Elise's touch searing through the fabric of her dress, sending shivers down her spine. When Elise runs her fingertips across the neckline to remove any remnants, Sadie feels a sense of calm wash over her.
And as Elise finishes fastening the last brass button, Sadie meets her gaze in the mirror. They both regard each other with soft smiles. Sadie feels the magnetic pull of Elise's body neat hers but wonders if Elise feels the same.
"Your gown is exquisite, Miss Sinclair," Elise's voice penetrates the charged silence. "It compliments your beauty perfectly."
Sadie's cheeks flush at the compliment, her pulse quickening at the lushness of Elise's voice.
"Thank you, Elise," she murmurs, her gaze lingering on the young woman's face. "You have a way with words."
As Elise steps back to admire her handiwork, the moment of silence stretches between them. Sadie can feel the weight of Elise's gaze upon her, the growing tension simmering beneath the surface.
"Miss Sinclair, if I may..." Elise begins hesitantly. "Something is missing."
Sadie's heart flutters at the uncertainty in Elise's tone, her curiosity piqued by the sudden change in demeanor.
"And what would that be Elise," she replies, her voice flirty but barely above a whisper.
A flicker of emotion flashes across Elise's features, a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability that tugs at Sadie's heartstrings. "I think you should wear the emerald necklace," she says.
"Do you?" Sadie questions as she hands Elise the exquisite family heirloom.
Elise moves close behind Sadie, her body softly pressing against hers. She tenderly places the necklace around Sadie's graceful neck, and Sadie can feel Elise's delicate breath against her neck. Elise's fingers seem to linger longer on the clasp than required, sending a rush of excitement through Sadie.
Sadie turns quickly to face Elise, grabbing her hands with her own. Both women refuse to move, their bodies pushing warmly against each other. Unconvinced of what to do, although understanding what her body is begging her to do, Sadie caresses Elise's cheek.
Elise allows Sadie's caresses to warm her heart before stepping away.
"I... I just wanted to say that... you look breathtaking tonight," Elise stammers, her cheeks flushing with color. "Truly, you are the most radiant woman I have ever seen."
The sincerity in Elise's words leaves Sadie breathless, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggles to find the right response.
"Thank you, Elise," Sadie breathlessly replies, her hands retreating from Elise's delicate skin.
Elise takes a step back to Sadie, regretting that she broke the moment that was so near to happening. Gathering more confidence, Elise adds, "I have never seen a woman look more stunning than you do." Pushing the moment a little further, Elise allows her fingers to trace the neckline of Sadie's dress again. However, her fingers move this time between the beautiful velvety satin and the crest of Sadie's flawless smooth breasts. Elise's eyes never leave Sadies, locked in a moment of puzzlement and passion. Each time Elise's finger touches Sadie's bare skin, both women softly moan- electrifying the room.
The tranquil moment of virgin paradise suddenly halts as a persistent knocking echoes through Sadie's chamber. They swiftly compose themselves, exchanging a glance loaded with unspoken words before Elise steps forward to answer the door.
The heavy oak door creaks open, exposing the imposing figure of Edward Sinclair, who strolls into the room with an air of authority. His eyes alight with pride and affection as they fall upon his daughter, his expression softening at the sight of her radiant beauty.
"Sweetheart, you look just like your mother," Edward mumbles as he approaches Sadie, his heart swelling with fond memories of his beloved wife.
A flush of pride floods Sadie's cheeks at her father's words, and a swell of satisfaction and gratitude wells within her. Her mother, revered as one of the most stunning women in New York, had been a pinnacle of elegance—a legacy that Sadie now carries with honor.
"Thank you, Father," Sadie replies. "That means a great deal to me."
Concern flickers in Edward's eyes as he notices the subtle flush on Sadie's cheeks, "Sadie, you feel warm, and your face is flushed. Is everything okay?" he examines, his brow furrowing with worry as he reaches out to place a comforting hand on her forehead.
Casting a momentary glance in Elise's direction, Sadie offers her father a reassuring smile, her heart racing. "No, Father, I feel wonderful, just a bit excited," she assures him.
Edward nods in understanding, a smile gracing his lips as he leans in to press a paternal kiss upon Sadie's forehead. "I'm glad to hear that, my dear," he mutters. "Now, come along. Our first guests have arrived, and we wouldn't want to keep them waiting, especially Mr. Harrington."
Edward takes Sadie's arm, leading her from the room with quiet authority.
As they descend the magnificent staircase together, the strains of merry laughter and animated conversation drift through the wealthy halls of the Sinclair mansion. The extravagant chandeliers, shining with glittering crystals, cast a dazzling array of colorful light across the polished marble floors.
Each step downward seems to carry Sadie further into the heart of a glittering whirlwind, where the air hums with anticipation. The scent of fragrant lavender flowers (her mother's favorite) mingles with the subtle aroma of fine perfumes.
At the foot of the staircase, guests adorned in the finest attire of the time consort beneath the watchful gaze of towering marble statues and intricately carved Corinthian columns. Ladies adorned in sumptuous silk gowns and satin flutter around, their jewels catching the light with every refined movement. Handsome in tailored suits and polished cufflinks, Gentlemen exude an air of effortless culture as they engage in lively conversation and spirited debate.
Amidst the crowd of guests, Sadie catches sight of Charles Harrington, his dark hair gleaming like ebony in the soft glow of candlelight. His perceptive gaze meets hers, a knowing smile playing upon his lips. Despite his outward charm, a calculating glint in his gray eyes sends a shiver of unease down Sadie's spine.
Edward leads Sadie into the heart of the gathering, a murmur of greetings and polite nods washes over them, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or clink of crystal glasses.
As Edwards spins his beautiful daughter in her elegant green dress to show her off, Sadie's eyes meet Elise's for a fleeting moment; the unspoken desires linger beneath the surface, threatening to erupt.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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