Chapter 38
Sapphire.
1 finished up in the kitchen with the speed of light, the excitement of going our and having fun hurting me
Ilmumed as I cooked and ate quickly before everyone so 1 could have time to charge my social battery.
Which means I was good to go when Leah called me into her room to play dress up
“Slutty or classic glow up nerd,” she announced as soon as we entered her room.
(don’t know what any of that means,” answered honestly.
Her fingers danced over the hangers, each delicate garment swaying slightly as she moved them aude, one by one. “Hmoi,” she murmwared, her brows furrowing in concentration. “We need something that says sophisticated but also a lile ba daring–something that makes a statement without screaming it.”
I stood awkwardly by the door of her enormous walk–in closet, feeling like a misplaced piece of furmure among her designer gowns and endless rows of shoes. Seriously, how much money does she have
“You know, Leah, I’m fine with whatever. I don’t need anything too fancy,” I said, trying to sound casual though I could feel my cheeks heating up.
She shot me a playful glare over her shoulder. “No way, babe Tonight is too important. You need to look absolutely stunning.” She turned back to Ther mission, her fingers now trailing over a rack of late black dreves “Mms, you’re going to meet new people. First impressions are everything.”
I sighed, knowing there was no arguing with her once she got like this. “Alrials, alright. But let’s not overdo it, okay? I don’t want to feel like I’m wearing a costume.”
She laughed, a light, melodic sound that filled the space. “Trust me,” she said, flashing me a grin. “I know exactly what I’m doing. Just wait, you’re going to look amazing.
A few more moments passed in silence, the only sound the gentle sash of fabric as she continued her search. Finally, she stopped, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. This is it she declared, pulling a dress from the rack with a flourish.
I looked at the dress she held up in front of me a deep emerald green, with a fitted bodice and a skirt that would hit just above the knees. It was simple yet elegant, with just the right amount of shuuner to carch the light without being too much
“Lesh. It’s beautful, admitted.
“Try it on,” she insted, practically pushing it into my hands. “I know it’ll look perfect on you.”
Thesitated for a moment before taking the drew “Okay, fine,” I relented, a small smile tugging at my lips. “But only because you’re so convinced.”
She clapped her hands together, practically bouncing with excitement. “That’s the spiral Go on, the mirror’s over there.”
1 slipped into the dress, the silky fabric cool against my skin. When I turned to face the mirror, almost didn’t recognize myself. The green brought out the color of my eyes, and the cut lugged my curves in all the right plates..
Leili’s eyes widened, a satisfied grinsperading across her face “Ser I told your Your look suuming
I blushed feeling a little self–conscious. “You think sut
“Absolutely,” she said. “You look like a queen, and tonight.
fre going to own that room,
Thughed, but inside, I felt a Ende nervous. I wasn’t good with people and hoped I make a good impression.
“Now, I will do your makeup and hair then we will be on our way?”
“What about you?
Tabour showing you off,”
“I can get ready in ten minutes, Jam used to it. You on the other hand need more care because conigli i
Lopened my mouth to argue but she cut me a glare that prompted me to keep my mouth shut. I met her eyes in the mirror and shook my head at the stick that lined her lip
She stood behind me, her fingers working deftly through my hair. I watched her in the mirror as she gathered a section and began heiding her Expression focused and her tongue sticking out slightly in concentration.
Are you sure this isn’t too much?” I asked, trying not to move 109 much. “I mean, I don’t usually d
do all
She laughed softly: “Oh, come on. When was the last time you had a night out like this? Let yourself enjoy it for once.” She pinned the braid back twisting it into an elegant knot. “Besides, you look gorgeous, and we’re not even done yet.”
The urge to tell her that this was my first time poing out like this or even hming friends.
I sighed, but a small smile tugged at my lips. “I guess you’re right. It’s just a lot of effort, you know!”
“Effort is my middle name,” she replied with a wink. She moved on to my makeup, dabbing a brush into some powder. “Now, close your eyes and
Tra
I did as she instructed, feeling the sufi sweep of the brush against my skin. “You will be late,”
“Yes” she said, as if it were obvious. “But you first need to look good so the term, Tashionably late, would apply to you. You’re my canvas tonight.” I opened one eye to peek at her. “Your canvas”
Chapter 38
o a masterpiece.”
She grinned, not missing a bear “Yup!, And I’m painting you into as
Ichuckled. “No pressure, then.”
ou’re going to be
She giggled and moved on to my eyes, sweeping a waris, shimmery shade across my lich. “Nope, no pressure all. Bui seriously, you’re
the star tonight. Try me
I couldn’t help but feel a little fluter of excitement in my chest. “Okay, okay, I trust you. But if I end up looking like a clown, you’re taking the blame
She laughed again. “Deal” she said, stepping back to admire her work “Okay, done! Open your eyes.”
Topened them slowly and looked at myself in the mirror. My mouth dropped open slightly. Leah had worked her magic, my skin looked flawless, my eyes brighter and more defined, and my lips painted a soft, natural color that made them look fuller.
“Wow,” I breathed, turning my head to see from different angles. “I. I look like a different person.
She smirked. “A better person, you mean Seet I told you to trust me.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. “Alright, alright, you’re a genius. Now, your turn.”
She grinned and jumped up, quickly grabbing her own dress from the closer. “Give me ten minutes,” she called over her shoulder, already shimmying out of her jeans. “And you haven’t seen anything yel.”
I laughed as I watched her rush through her closet, picking out a bright red dress that looked like it was made for her. “Take your time,” I said, leoning back in the chair, feeling lighter than thad in weeks. “We’ve got all nigh
she winked at me in the mirror. “Exactly,” the said. “And tonight, we’re going in make it cour
We made our way down the stairs, Leah’s heels clicking softly against the polished wood. As we reached the bottom, we both froze. Marcel was standing there, his arms crossed over his chest, his Exe a storm cloud of anger.
Leah glanced at me, biting her lip, and I immediately undersond, she hadn’t told Mircel where we were going
“Leah,” Marrel said, “where exactly do you think you’re going?
I could feel the tension radiating off him, but before I could say anything, I noticed Aragon standing behind him, his eyes fixed on me with a dark gare. I quickly looked away, feeling my heart race. There was something about the way Aragon watched me that abrays made me uncomfortable, like he could see right through the.
gone long,” she said softly.
She stepped forward, her expression innocent, “Baby, come on. It’s just a pany, we won’t be gone Marcel’s expression softened slightly, but has eyes still held that edge. He sighed heavily before pulling Leah into his arms and kissing her gently on the forehead. “You look preity,” he murmured.
She smiled, looking up at him with those big eyes of hers. “Thank you,” she whispered back, and for a moment, they were lost in their little bubble. Then he turned his gaze on me, his expression a little less intense but still firm. “You look good too” he said with a small nod, almost like he was giving me permission to exist in their presence.
I managed a smile, feeling oddly relieved. Thanks, Marvel,” I replied, trying to sound light.
He studied me for a moment, then his face shifted into something more determined. “I’m driving you both,” he announced. “I’m not letting you out
there with no protection.”
Leah blinked in surprise, but I nodded immediately. “Okay,” I said, grateful that this was all he was insisting on. I had been expecting much wome–a lecture, or even a full–on argument.
She shot me a glance, clearly surprised by my quick acceptance. She seemed ready to argue, but Marcel gave her a stern look, and she held back, biting her lip again. “Fine,” she muttered. “But you’re not staying the whole time. Marrel. We’ll be fine.”
Marcel just chuckled, a deep sound that rumbled from his chest. “We’ll see about that,” he replied. “Come on, let’s get going before I change my
mind.”
| y skin prickled under his
Aragon still hadn’t said a word, but his eyes were on me the whole time, sharp and unreadable. I tried in ignore the way my gaze a 1 followed Marchand Leah out the door, hoping that tonight would go as smoothly as Leah promised.
Again, I was wrong to assume that
