Chapter 15: Trust Me, I’s Worth I
sating beade him, Daten was into congenial debates; he sat quietly, tranquil and composed, looking ahead. Once of nice, he turned his head in her diction but didn’t utter a word. And in wain until they pulled up in front of a slark modern salon that Andrea realized where they were going,
“The first step to becoming, Sonia,” Baren told her as Martes parked the car. “Her look
Anda’s stomach chuted with nerves. She had known this was coming, the making of herself over Sonia would be a change in her appearance–but in real life, that is what made het teelShe can a hand through her naturally cely brunette hair, strands soft between her fingers. Always having loved her hair the way it was, but now she was about to let go of that part of hersel
Dangua Marcpened her door for her. She stepped out and took a deep breath to steady herself as they went into the salon Sleek and upscale, it was just the kind of place Sui would go to. The receptionist greeted them warndy, and soon they were led to a private area where a stylist was waiting for them.
“Olay.“Daren said, nodding to the dist
She leaned back in the chat and watched as the stylist prepared her tools. She caught Daren’s eye in the mirror, searching for some kind of reassurance; his expression was stoic.
“the styler chimed, “just straightening the hair, right? And we’re also going to change the color of your eyes to accommodate pictures that I have viewed of Sonia
Andrena nodded her tummy stirring with a bit of apprehension. “Yes straight hair and brown eyes,” he promised
Already smiling, the stylist go down to work. It was a long process, and as Andrea sat, she tried reflecting on the reasons behind all this. It wasn’t just because of vanity. It was because of survival. She needed to show the Macells that she was Sonia, and that means being her every way possible.
The ha came first the stylist efficiently worked on the application of chemicals that would straighten her curl into the sleek, straight style Sonia had always worn. Andrea watched in horror as the soll waves she had grown so used to were replaced by pin–straight stands that tell past her shoulders. It fell weird to be seeing herself like this, almost as it she were staring at a stranger in the mirror
Then, it was me
was come for the eyes. The stylist handed her a pair of contact lenses in that very same brown shade that Sonia’s eyes had been. Andrea wavered a moment longer before delicately placing them When she looked up her reflection sent a jolt–once–hazel eyes were deep brown now, and that changed everything about her appearance
“Perfect“id the styl, who stepped back to survey the change. “You are not even the same woman any more.”
Andrea stared into the reflection in the mirror–a mess of emotions all swirling through. She hardly recognized the woman staring back at her. Gone was the natural cual, gone the hazelnut horal best place, some vision of self seemed to from a distance, a person she wasn’t sure she wanted to be
Daren stepped closer to her, observing her reaction closely. “It’s just the beginning.” he whispered. “You’ll get used to it.”
Andora swallowed hard and nodded. “Hope so”
The stylist tushed up, putting the finishing touches to complete the look, and in no time Andrea was standing before the mirror, fully transformed. She passed a hand through the new hair, Bowling it
Ready for the next step? Daten repeated after some time in that low one again
Andi wa tumed to him, back to her reflection. She didn’t feel prady–not at all. But she knew she had no choice.
“Let’s go.” she said, her voice even as her heart raced
She could help but think, as they let the salon, how much of herself she would need to let go of before this was all done with. At the end of it all, would she still be Andrea or somebody else
The ride to the boutique was dead uncomfortable in its silence. She continued to catch glimpses of herself in the window, getting used to the straight hair now framing her face and the strange brown eyes stating back at her. It was simply that she did not feel like herself, and a small part of her was really already missing the cost of her natural look. But this was her path chosen, and he had to commit
As they pulled up to the boutique, Andres immerely caught her breath at the obvious luxurioness of it. Sleek and modern on the outside, the tall glass windows allowed glimpses of flowing evening gowns and high–brow accessories Obviously, this was a place that catered to people like Sonia, those who lived in a world of wealth and refinement,
Finave was Daren, who gestured for Andrea to follow him inside. No sooner had they entered than they we accosted by a rather perky woman, who actually seemed to bounce with energy. Her bright smile gres even wider as she took in Andrea’s look
Welcome, welcome!” the manager exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “You must be Andrea, the woman have heard so much about And my goodness, don’t you look stunning with that hair and those eyes
Andrea smiled politely, somewhat overwhelmed by the emberance of the woman. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
Daren, always the businessman, didn’t waste any time getting down to business. “We need an entire wardrobe,” he said, firm but calm. She needs to look like Sonia in every way–classy, elegant, refined. I want her to be dressed in the finest clothes
Excitedly, the eyes of the manager brightened. “Of course!t have already a selection prepared for you based on the photos I was sent. Follow me, darling, and we will get you transformed,” And exchanged a glance with Daren acker of uncertainty crossed her face. “Duren. I’m not so sure if it’s necessary,” she whispered while walking with Daren through the boutique. You don’t have to spend such money in me.
But Dacen didn’t seem to beat her misgivings. He waved a hand dismissively. ” just as important as anything else.
“It’s necessary. If you’re going to convince the Maxwells, you need to look the part in every detail. Clothes and
Andrea bit her lip, feeling heavy yet. The fact that Daran was spending so much money on her was she did. But before she could protest further, were whisked away to a
Lover
the top, however part of his plan it was. She didn’t want to owe him anymore than She reached into the closet and began to draw the out one at a time, laying them on the racks and claiming over each for special qualities. “This one is absolutely perfect for evening
Wat dressing ales were at least a dozen of designer dresses, blouses and skirts awaited her. events,” she said, holding up a sleek black dress with delicate lace details. “And this one, oh, the fabric is divine. It’s perfect for a luncheon or a more casual outing”
Andrea watched in amazement as dress after dress was piled on, each one looking more and more expensive than the last. She was overwhelmed by the simple extravagance of it all But Daren dich’Leven seem to bat an eye in the slightest. “We’ll take the entice Ting,” he said right after a moment, his voice sue as it ever wan
Andi wa’s yes widened in dismay. “All of the Dor?” the stanumered “Derm, that’s That’s too much I don’t need all this
Daren turned to her, impassie. “It’s not about need, And it’s about creating an image. Sonia had this life, this lifestyle. You need to step into her shoes completely if you’re going to pull thisolf True, it’s worth it.
