Chapter 6

ANGEL

Gideon left soon after, so I widened the door and let them in. They moved carefully around the room, setting their things down, and guided me to sit in front of my vanity.

“We’ll make you the prettiest woman tonight, okay?” the makeup artist assured me, her voice light and confident.

A small chuckle slipped from my lips. As if that could really happen. No amount of makeup could do that, not when Amanda would be there.

They began working on me, and I almost fell asleep as the brushes touched my face. They carefully covered my bruises with tone-up cream.

It took them two hours before they finished up my hair and makeup. When they were finally done, they stepped aside and showed me the gown I would be wearing tonight.

It was a strapless dark maroon evening gown with a fitted bodice and small crystal detailing along the neckline and waist. The skirt was floor-length and flowing, made of layered sheer tulle with fine glitter.

I did not waste any more time and slipped into it. The gown was heavier than I expected, so I asked for their help as they fastened and adjusted it carefully. When they stepped back, I heard them gasp.

“You’re so pretty,” the makeup artist breathed, eyes wide.

“Oh my gosh. Is that really you?” the stylist exclaimed, staring at me in awe.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at their exaggeration.

“Your husband will definitely fall in love with you all over again,” he added with a grin.

I shook my head in embarrassment. No matter how exquisite I might be, he still wouldn’t love me.

I walked over and stopped in front of the full-length mirror. Just like their reaction, I couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp at what I saw. I looked completely different.

My soft features were barely recognizable under the makeup they had applied. My hair was pulled into a neat bun, a few strands framing my face. Even my bangs were gone.

The color of the gown complemented my fair skin perfectly. The cut followed my curves flawlessly, hugging my body just right.

“Wait, I forgot the accessories.”

She grabbed two small boxes and handed them to me. One look, and I could tell—these pieces must be worth a fortune. I picked the pair of earrings I liked best, and she attached them carefully.

“Um, can I skip the necklace here? I’d rather wear the one I already have,” I requested.

“Of course. Can I see it first? We’ll just check if it goes with your dress,” she responded with a smile.

I reached for the box in the drawer. It was a diamond platinum necklace, a gift from Gideon on my eighteenth birthday. I rarely got to wear it since even when my parents had been alive, formal events I had attended were few and far between.

I handed it to her.

“Wow. This is stunning,” the stylist murmured.

I touched it gently as she fastened it around my neck.

Suddenly, someone knocked at the door. They opened it, but I remained glued to the mirror, barely believing how good I looked.

“Is everything ready?” my husband’s voice cut through the room.

I snapped my head toward him, my heart skipping a beat.

“All done, sir. Your wife looks amazing. Bet you’ll fall in love all over again,” the stylist said with a smile.

His gaze shifted to me. He stared at me intently, taking in every inch. Heat rose to my cheeks.

“How’s it?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“You look…” he paused, eyes still on me, then continued with a murmur, “decent.”

I felt my shoulders slump. That was it? I thought he’d at least find me a little attractive, not this lukewarm response.