He invited his assistant as a joke! But when she arrived looking like a goddess, everyone was…

Are you seriously inviting her? Camila Vargas crossed her arms, looking at Javier Soto with that smile he knew too well. Don’t tell me you’re turning charitable. Javier didn’t even look up from his documents. Isabella Luna, his assistant, was organizing files near his desk, pretending not to listen. It’s the firm’s annual party, he replied coldly. All employees are invited.

All important employees, Camila corrected, raising her voice just enough for Isabella to hear. Or is your assistant going to understand what we adults talk about? The other partners chuckled. Isabella gripped the papers in her hands but remained silent.

Camila’s right, interjected Ramiro Mendoza, one of the senior partners. People of our class don’t mix with… well, you know. Javier finally looked up.

For a second, his eyes met Isabella’s. She looked at him without pleading, without hope, only with that silent dignity he had never understood. Isabella, he said, his voice harsher than he intended.

You are cordially invited to the party this Saturday. I hope you know how to behave. The silence grew heavy.

Isabella carefully placed the files on the desk, as if they were made of glass. Thank you, Senor Soto, she replied, emotionless. I will consider your invitation.

Camila let out a laugh. Consider? Do you have something better to do on a Saturday night? Isabella turned to her. Her dark eyes sparkled for an instant.

I always have options, Senorita Vargas. It’s just that some aren’t worth my time. Camila’s smile froze.

The partners exchanged uncomfortable glances. Well, Javier murmured, clearing his throat. That’s settled, then.

Isabella gathered her things without haste. When she reached the door, she paused. One question, Senor Soto.

Does this invitation come with any particular intention? Javier felt his throat go dry. The others awaited his response. Just… we want everyone to have a good time.

He lied. Isabella nodded slowly. I understand.

Have a good afternoon. The door closed softly behind her. Camila burst into laughter.

My God. Did you see her? Like an offended queen. It’s going to be fun, Ramiro added.

Watching her try to fit in with us. Javier said nothing. He stared at the door where Isabella had exited.

With a strange feeling in his chest he couldn’t identify. A sister’s wisdom. That night, Isabella arrived at her small apartment completely exhausted.

Her younger sister, Sofia, was studying at the dining table. How was your day? Sofia asked without looking up from her books. Isabella collapsed onto the sofa.

I was invited to the company party. Sofia raised her eyebrows. And is that good or bad? Bad.

Very bad. Why? Isabella closed her eyes. She could still hear Camila’s laughter.

See the mocking glances of the partners. Because they didn’t invite me to include me, Sofia. They invited me to humiliate me.

Her sister put down her pencil and approached the sofa. Isabella. Look at me.

Isabella opened her eyes. Sofia had that serious expression she used when she wanted to give important advice. What do you want to do? Stay home.

Pretend I’m sick. Is that what you really want? Isabella sighed. No.

I want to go and prove them wrong about me. But I’m afraid of making a fool of myself. Sofia sat beside her.

Sister, you’ve worked three years at that firm. You’ve seen how they behave, how they talk, how they move in their world. Do you think you can’t do the same? They were born into that world.

I wasn’t. But you’re smarter than all of them put together. Sofia took her hand.

And you have something they’ll never have. What? Real class. Not the kind you buy with money, but the kind you carry in your soul.

Isabella felt her eyes well up with tears. What if I’m wrong? What if I only confirm what they already think of me? Sofia squeezed her hand. Then you’ll be wrong with your head held high.

But, Isabella, you’ve always been bigger than that place. It’s time for them to realize it. Isabella remained silent, looking out the window at the city lights.

Somewhere out there, Javier and Camila were in their world of luxury. Sure that she wouldn’t dare to show up. Maybe it was time to surprise them.

The grand entrance. On Saturday night, the ballroom of the city’s most exclusive hotel buzzed with elegant conversations and rehearsed laughter. Javier adjusted his tie for the tenth time, glancing towards the entrance every few minutes.

Waiting for someone. Camila appeared beside him, radiant in a golden dress that had cost more than Isabella’s monthly salary. Just checking that everything’s in order, he lied, taking a sip of whiskey.

Relax, amor. Your little assistant surely stayed home watching telenovelas. Camila laughed.

It’s obvious she wasn’t going to come. Ramiro approached with two other partners, all with drinks in hand. Still waiting for the show? He asked sarcastically.

I bet she doesn’t even have a decent dress. Or maybe she’s coming in her office uniform. Another added, provoking laughter.

Javier forced a smile, but something in his stomach twisted. A part of him hoped Isabella wouldn’t come, to avoid the humiliation they had all planned. Another part wanted to see what would happen if she dared.

Ladies and gentlemen, the master of ceremonies announced, dinner is served. The guests began to move towards the main dining room. Javier was walking alongside Camila when the murmur of conversations abruptly ceased.