Rachel Zegler Smile Novels & Stories

As the sisters sat on a nearby sofa, sipping on complimentary champagne, Gina turned to Rachel with a curious look. “What about you?” Gina asked, her tone suddenly light. Rachel blinked. “What about me?” “Your love life,” Gina said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “You’re always so focused on everyone else. Do you have someone special in your life?” Rachel’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly sipped her champagne to avoid Gina’s probing gaze. “I don’t, actually. I’m too busy for that sort of thing.” Gina’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Rachel Smith, you’re a terrible liar.”

Rachel finished dryly. I smiled, grateful for the small kindness of their teasing. “You two look beautiful.” Jenny rolled her eyes. “We’ve been pretending to network, but really, we’re just counting how many times people mention Michelle Hughes in one sentence.” I laughed softly. “I bet it’s a record.” “Are you okay being here?” Rachel asked gently. I hesitated. “Define ‘okay’.” She gave a knowing smile, and I didn’t answer. My eyes wandered, and I caught sight of Grace.

I stood in the middle of the living room, facing the security camera's blinking red light, practicing my smile again and again. Looking into the lens, I spoke softly, like I was leaving a message for the Mom who'd watch it someday. "Mom, look. I practiced the perfect smile again today. "Lift the corners of my mouth fifteen degrees and show eight teeth. The books say that's the most sincere smile. The one that makes people feel warm. "I've practiced so much my face hurts... but that's okay. "When you watch this tomorrow... will you tell me I did a good job? "Will you finally believe I wasn't lying to you?"