Outshined

The viewing room was beautifully set up with comfortable couches, with side tables that held fresh fruit, delicious pastries, and champagne flutes. From the ceiling, hung a beautiful white and gold chandelier and in the middle of the room, there was a platform and a large mirror. The room screamed of elegance.

Alessia lounged comfortably on one of the couches, and sipped a flute of champagne, as the shop assistants readied the room for her, filling it with different items of clothes, and accessories. Caterina, who was still fuming over the lack of attention she was getting, sat on a nearby chair, and started downing the champagne flutes, one by one.

"Cousin, please slow down. We are in public!"

Mentally rolling her eyes, Alessia voiced her concerns kindly,only for Caterina to ignore her completely. With a soft smile, she turned back to the shop assistants.

"Don't mind my cousin. She can be a little stubborn. Are you finished with the set up?"

The shop assistant nodded before leading Alessia to change into her first outfit. The shop assistants silently shook their heads.

How could those two be related when one was kind and elegant and the other was rude and selfish? The difference was too much!

After waiting a while, the shop assistant announced Alessia's first outfit. Caterina finally put down the alcohol, excited to see the disaster of an outfit that Alessia would put together. She made eye contact with the shop assistant, who nodded and hurriedly put her phone up to capture a picture.

But when Alessia entered the room, it was not as Caterina had hoped. Alessia donned a brown suede skirt that hugged her legs, and a yellow turtleneck sweater tucked into the skirt. She had thin gold bracelets around her thin wrist, and a pair of small gold hoops in her ears. The outfit had the desired effect of making her look like a sophisticated student. Those in the viewing room were at awe. It was a simple outfit, but on her, it seemed so much more regal and elegant.

She stepped onto the platform, examining herself in the mirror before nodding in approval.This would be appropriate for both school and her internship. She turned to Caterina, asking her opinion.

Caterina was shocked. She hadn't seen Alessia dressed so well in such a long time, and had forgotten how truly beautiful she was. Holding her anger back, she instead voiced her concern.

"Alessia, isn't this too much? Wouldn't you rather something more simple? I'm not sure if this suits you."

Alessia tilted her head innocently.

"Hmm, really? How about you all? What do you think? Is it too much?"

She turned to the shop assistants, frowning slightly.

"No way!"

" You look amazing! Like a queen!"

"It definitely suits you!"

With the resounding approval around her, she smiled happily.

" Alright! Then I'll take it!"

Caterina gritted her teeth in anger. Once again she was outshined by this damn girl! Everyone loved her so much, while all Caterina could do is sit in her shadow. Angered, she continued to drink, while Alessia tried on the rest of the items. The shop assistants showered her with compliments while giving advice and bringing out the best of accessories out for her. This went on for an hour.

" I think I have everything I need. This boutique is so chic! I'll be sure to come back soon."

Alessia sincerely thanked the shop assistants who helped her, before approaching her cousin.

" Caterina, I'm going to pay at the register. You stay here and try on some clothes. I'll be right back."

With those words, Alessia left the room with a trail of assistants following her out with all of the items that she wished to purchase.

The fitting room was now empty, save for two shopping assistants and Caterina. One approached her excitedly.

" Don't worry, Miss! I did exactly what you wanted me to do. All of your cousins' pictures are uploaded right now! You must really love her to want the world to see how stunning she is!"

Caterina sat there completely still for a moment, as the sales lady continued to shower Alessia with compliments. Her alcohol addled brain had had enough. With one swift motion, she stood from her seat and pushed the shop assistant to the ground.

" You incompetent idiot! You absolute fool! Who raised you to be so useless, huh?! HUH?!"

With every word, she continuously kicked the young women on the floor. The other shop assistant in the room screamed for help, while trying to make Caterina stop.

From outside the private viewing room, other shoppers and assistants heard the commotion and started to enter the room. The sight shocked them!

Caterina's clothes were a mess. Her dress was wrinkled, her thick gold bracelets clinking against each other with every kick. Her face was red and sweating, her makeup sliding down her face, and her eyes were wild. She looked nothing like the Caterina they knew. Drunk off both alcohol and rage, she didn't realize the growing audience and continued to yell abuse at the poor young girl that she was assaulting.

"Caterina! What on earth are you doing?!"