A soft knock echoed through the elegant suite door just as sunlight began to seep through the sheer curtains. Bella stirred first, groggy but smiling, still wrapped in the comfort of luxury. Kathy rolled onto her side, yawning as Bella got up and walked lazily to the door.
Standing there, dressed in a crisp black suit and earpiece in his ear, was one of Mr. Stephen's trusted men. "Good morning, Miss Bella. Mr. Stephen requests your presence. He said you both should get dressed , he's waiting in the private suite," he said politely.
"Thank you," Bella said, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. She gently closed the door and turned to Kathy, a grin spreading across her face. "We have to get up. Dad's waiting for us."
Kathy sat up, her bonnet slightly tilted, a sleepy smile on her lips. "Ugh… I don't even feel tired. This room is like a dream."
They both stood, stretching and smiling at each other, then strolled over to the balcony of their luxurious suite. The glass doors opened to a breathtaking view of London's skyline. Beneath them was the Noble Hotel's infinity pool, shimmering like crystal under the morning light. Birds chirped faintly in the background, and the air smelled of roses, likely from the hotel's automatic diffusers.
"This still doesn't feel real," Kathy whispered.
"It is," Bella replied, her eyes glinting with joy. "And we're living it."
After a few more moments of balcony admiration, they headed back inside. They opened the wardrobe , several outfits hung neatly, gifted the night before by Mr. Stephen. Though they opted for simpler styles today, the quality was unmistakable, elegant, tailored casual dresses in soft pastel colors, made from fine fabrics that glided over their skin like silk.
Bella wore a light blush pink dress with ruffled sleeves and subtle gold accents that caught the light when she moved. Her hair, pulled into a neat high ponytail, gave her a sophisticated but playful look. Kathy chose a sky-blue wrap dress with a soft V-neckline and bell sleeves, minimal jewelry, and touched up their faces with light, glowing makeup.
After getting dressed, Bella pulled out her phone and sent a text to her dad:
"Good morning, daddy! We're ready now"
The reply came almost instantly:
"Great. I'll send the guys to come get you now. Don't keep me waiting 😄"
Minutes later, another knock , this time it was two of Mr. Stephen's men, standing tall and serious. "Miss Bella, Miss Kathy, we're here to escort you."
"Let's go, princess," Kathy teased as they stepped out, giggling softly between themselves. They were already used to the attention and treatment.
The hallway felt like something out of a luxury dream, velvet carpeting, framed art on the walls, golden sconces casting a warm glow. The private elevator took them directly to Mr. Stephen's suite. The doors slid open, and there he was, dressed in a relaxed but regal outfit, white linen shirt tucked into tailored beige pants, loafers, and his signature gold watch.
"Daddy!" Bella beamed, rushing into his arms.
"Good morning, my princess," he said with a proud smile, hugging her tightly. "You look beautiful."
Kathy joined with a polite hug. "Good morning, sir. Thank you again for everything."
"You girls make it easy to spoil you," he chuckled. "Sit, sit.
They chatted for a while , Mr. Stephen asked about their sleep, their night, if they enjoyed the room. The girls couldn't stop gushing.
"I had them deliver everything you needed," he said, sipping from a mug of black coffee. "You know I want this matriculation to be perfect for both of you."
"We're grateful, dad," Bella said, holding his hand.
"And since today is for your nails," he added, "my men will drop you off for the nail appointment."
Kathy's eyes lit up. "Yay! We've already booked our session with Polish Luxe Studio."
Mr. Stephen nodded. "Perfect. I've instructed them to wait for you outside so they can drop you both in your apartment to pick your stuffs and bring them all here, so you both can prepare for your matriculation here and then we all go together tomorrow morning . You're in good hands."
Bella's mouth dropped slightly in surprise. "Wait… we're staying here again tonight again?"
"Yes," he confirmed. "You'll both spend the night here. And tell your makeup artist and hairstylist to come directly to Noble tomorrow morning. You're getting glammed up here."
The girls looked at each other with wide eyes and screamed in excitement.
"OMG, Daddy!! Are you serious?" Bella squealed.
"We're getting glammed here and leaving in a convoy tomorrow?" Kathy repeated, barely containing her shock.
Mr. Stephen laughed softly. "Yes. I want my girls stepping out like royalty. Full convoy, full team. We'll be escorted straight to Lifetime. Everything has been arranged."
They both squealed again like little kids, thanking him over and over.
"Thank you, sir! You're the best!" Kathy gushed.
"I love you, Daddy!" Bella added.
"I love you girls too. Finish up and get ready to pack. The team will be outside."
*****
The black luxury car pulled up smoothly in front of Polish Luxe Studio, the soft hum of the engine drawing a few curious glances from pedestrians nearby. The driver stepped out first, followed by one of Mr. Stephen's security men who quickly opened the back door. Bella and Kathy stepped out like they had just walked off a movie set , both glowing, elegant, and oozing quiet confidence.
Dressed in their simple but classy outfits from earlier, with their hair neatly styled and designer sunglasses shielding their eyes, they walked gracefully into the salon. Heads turned. Conversations paused. The staff at Polish Luxe were used to wealth, but there was something about the aura of these two girls the energy, the presence, that made them unforgettable. The fact that they were escorted in luxury cars and had bodyguards waiting outside? That only added to the spectacle.
"Welcome, ladies," the receptionist said with a polite smile. "Your appointments have been confirmed. Right this way."
Bella and Kathy followed, taking in the clean, elegant design of the salon , white marble floors, blush pink chairs, golden lighting, and soft R&B music playing in the background. Each nail station was spaced apart for privacy, with plush seating and a mini refreshment bar beside every chair.
As they settled in, their chosen nail techs came forward.
"I have your inspo ready," Bella's tech said. "You're going for the almond ombré set, right?"
"Yes," Bella smiled. "Exactly like the picture."
"And for you?" the other asked Kathy.
"French tips with rhinestones. Not too flashy, but very clean."
"Perfect."
They began. As their hands were carefully prepped and filed, the girls began chatting , about school, the excitement of the upcoming matriculation, and of course, their plans for the big day.
"I still can't believe it's tomorrow," Bella whispered, eyes sparkling.
"I know right? I feel like we've been preparing forever," Kathy laughed. "Hair, makeup, dresses, and now our nails. Everything has to be on point."
"It will be. Everything is coming together," Bella said confidently.
They both smiled at each other, this was their moment, and they could feel it.
While the techs worked on their nails, Kathy opened Snapchat on her phone and began recording a short clip. "Matric prep still going strong," she said, showing her nails being done before panning to Bella, who threw a playful wink at the camera.
They posted the videos, then opened Instagram. The posts from the night before, the Noble Hotel suite, the convoy, the designer clothes, and the rose-scented views from their balcony, were still causing a storm online.
Kathy scrolled through the comments and widened her eyes. "Bella! These comments are mad."
Bella leaned over to see.
Are you telling me this is where they're staying??
"How are they affording this lifestyle?!
That hotel is for royalty!"
"I need to make rich friends like Bella and Kathy!"
The girls exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.
"Oh God. These people will overthink themselves," Bella said, still giggling.
"I swear. Let them keep guessing," Kathy grinned. "By tomorrow, they'll find out the truth."
Bella nodded, her voice low with amusement. "And the silence that will follow… delicious."
As their nails were being polished with the final coats, the shimmer from Kathy's rhinestones sparkled beneath the lights. Bella's ombré set looked smooth and luxurious, just like the picture , the perfect blend of subtlety and glam.
"Perfect," Bella said, admiring her nails.
"I feel like I'm already in my gown," Kathy said, flicking her fingers playfully.
They tipped their techs generously, posed for a few mirror selfies together captioning it "Final touches 💅🏽" and then headed out of the salon with that same grace they came in with. Their security detail was already waiting by the cars.
As they stepped in, Bella turned to Kathy. "Tomorrow's going to be unforgettable."
Kathy nodded. "The whole of Lifetime College will feel it."
And with that, the doors closed behind them, and the car glided off into the streets of London, two queens fully ready for their big day.
Still seated comfortably in the plush backseat of the luxury SUV, Bella and Kathy couldn't stop admiring their freshly done nails. The shimmer of the polish caught the sunlight perfectly, the exact replica of their saved Instagram inspo.
"Look at this set," Kathy said, twisting her hand under the light. "Tell me this isn't luxury."
Bella laughed. "We ate that. Our nail tech really snapped."
"Period," Kathy replied, grinning.
They kept checking themselves in the small mirror on the car ceiling, recording quick videos and sending snaps. Every few seconds, they'd burst into another fit of excitement over what Mr. Stephen had just arranged for them. A glam session at Noble Hotel? Convoy to campus? Their matriculation wasn't even here yet, but the hype already felt surreal.
As they approached their private estate, the familiar sight of their gated compound came into view. The black SUV slowed to a stop right in front of their apartment gate. Two of the guards stepped out quickly and opened the doors for the girls.
Bella stretched lightly as she stepped out. "Ahhh... back to base," she said.
Kathy walked beside her, giggling. "I've missed our little apartment."
"Same," Bella replied with a smile. "But let's be real… Noble's air hits different."
"Luxury is addictive," Kathy added, and they both laughed.
Walking inside, they were hit by the familiar scent of their scented diffusers. It was cozy, calm, and theirs. But there was no denying it, being spoiled at Noble made this place feel like a cute break, not home.
Without wasting time, they moved into action. They brought out their gowns, shoes, matching purses, makeup kits, and all the perfumes they'd need. Their outfits for the morning glam, heels for later, backup lashes, curlers, edge control, you name it. Bella opened the wardrobe and brought out their matriculation gowns, the official ones they had picked up from school weeks earlier.
"Don't forget this," she said, handing Kathy hers.
Kathy nodded. "Thank God we didn't misplace these, That would've been a nightmare."
Bella scanned the room again. "lip gloss, backup jewelry…"
"Phone charger?" Kathy asked.
"Packed," Bella said confidently. "Did we forget anything?"
Kathy looked around. "I think we're good."
They double-checked again before stepping out, their arms now full of bags and boxes. The guards helped them with their luggage as they exited the apartment.
They both paused at the gate and looked at their apartment one more time.
"We'll be back here in a few days," Bella said with a small smile.
"But for now…" Kathy grinned, slipping on her sunglasses. "Let luxury take the wheel."
They hopped back into the car and the convoy rolled out of the estate smoothly. The sun was still up, casting a soft golden glow on the streets as they cruised back to Noble Hotel.
And in less than 24 hours… they'd be the stars of Lifetime College.