Emily’s heart raced with confusion.
Staring at the dress in her hand, she felt complicated.
But on second thought, she decided against it.
“Here.” Emily clipped, handing the clothes to the stylist.
Miss Young took the dress from her and handed it over to her assistant.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she ran her fingers lightly over Emily’s flawless skin.
“You have such natural beauty,” she murmured, already envisioning the masterpiece she would create.
Emily sat stiffly in the chair, her fingers gripping the armrests.
“Is this really necessary?” she muttered, casting a pleading glance at Melissa.
Melissa grinned, unfazed by her resistance.
“Oh, it’s very necessary.
You have to look like the queen you are tonight.” She giggled.
Emily’s heart warred within her.
The stylist clapped her hands, a signal for her assistants to begin.
One started on Emily’s hair, unraveling the simple bun she had tied in a hurry that morning, and long, silky strands cascaded down her back, making the stylist sigh in admiration.
“We’ll go for an elegant but effortless style,” she said, already working with nimble fingers.
Another assistant brought out a luxurious set of makeup products, but the stylist waved a hand.
“Nothing heavy.
Just a touch to enhance her features.” She leaned closer to Emily.
“Trust me, you’ll love it.”
Emily swallowed and gave a curt nod.
She couldn’t change the decision now, so it was better to watch the transformation or whatever the stylist thought she might be doing.
She had never been one for extravagance, but as she saw her reflection slowly changing in the mirror, she had to admit—it was mesmerizing.
The stylist shook her head as she picked up a foundation brush, a low, soft chuckle escaping her lips.
“You’re lucky to have such naturally clear skin, but trust me, a little touch-up will make a world of difference.”
Emily remained still as the woman expertly worked, applying a lightweight foundation that blended seamlessly with her skin.
“We’ll keep it soft and natural,” the stylist murmured, dabbing concealer under Emily’s eyes.
Melissa, who was watching closely, grinned.
“You’re going to be unrecognizable, Emily.”
Emily sighed.
“That’s what I’m most afraid of.”
Ignoring her reluctance, the stylist moved on, dusting a subtle rose blush onto her cheeks, enhancing her already delicate features.
She took a brief moment to study her eyes. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
“For the eyes, we’ll keep it elegant but striking,” she said, picking up a neutral-toned palette.
She blended soft browns into Emily’s crease, adding just a touch of shimmer to make her eyes pop.
A thin stroke of eyeliner and a few coats of mascara later, her dark lashes looked longer and more defined.
Emily blinked rapidly, unfamiliar with the feeling.
“It feels…
strange,” she admitted.
For the twenty-four years of her life, she had never gone above a light powder on her face.
But she couldn’t be blamed when she hardly had enough to keep the family afloat.
“You’ll get used to it,” the stylist assured her with a smile.
Finally, she reached for a deep red lipstick.
“This will complete the look.”
Emily hesitated.
“Isn’t red too bold?”
Melissa scoffed.
“Bold?
I think that is exactly what you need tonight.”
With a resigned sigh, Emily let the stylist apply the lipstick.
The rich color instantly brightened her face, making her lips look fuller.
Once the stylist was done, she stepped back with a satisfied nod.
“Perfect.”
“Can you put on your dress now?” the stylist asked.
Emily glanced at Melissa.
“What time is it?”
Melissa sighed.
“A few minutes before 7:30.”
Emily sighed; she was tempted to press her throbbing temple, but recalling the hard work of the stylist, her hand sagged back.
Recalling the cold instruction of her boss, she exhaled deeply.
“Alright,” she murmured.
Miss Young clapped her hands together.
Seeing the dress for the first time, she was already anxious to see what it would look like on her.
She gently lifted the gown out of its package, and the soft but luxurious deep sapphire blue gown came into full view, making everyone gasp at its soft yet intricate embroidery that shimmered in the light.
Slowly, she helped Emily into the dress before carefully zipping it up.
Emily stood in front of the full-length mirror, unable to recognize herself.
The evening gown hugged her curves perfectly, its off-shoulder design exposing her delicate collarbones.
The silk fabric shimmered under the soft lights of the sitting room, giving her an elegant yet mysterious aura.
Her long, wavy black hair had been styled into soft curls that cascaded down her back, and her makeup, though subtle yet stunning, accentuated her apricot expressive eyes and delicate features.
Melissa stood a few feet away, clasping her hands together dramatically before letting out an ear-piercing scream.
“Oh.
My.
God!” she exclaimed.
“Emily, is this really you?!” Walking around her with clear admiration etched across every feature of her face.
Emily stood rooted to the spot, her gaze not leaving the mirror.
Her hand carefully touched her face in shock.
“It feels… weird,” she muttered.
“Weird?!” Melissa halted as she grabbed her shoulders.
“Girl, you look like a goddess!
Are you Athena, Medusa, or which of the other Greek goddesses are you?” she rambled on.
Slowly, she twirled Emily around and gasped again.
“Wow!
I knew you were beautiful, but damn!
You’ve been hiding this?!”
Emily laughed nervously.
“You know I never bother with all this.
I don’t have time or money to waste on looks.”
Melissa shook her head in disbelief.
“And to think you’ve been walking around in those outdated second-hand clothes.”
Her hand covered her mouth in feigned shock before she continued, “No offense, but Emily, this is what you were meant to look like, and I think your adoptive parents should get a glimpse of you in this outfit!”
She thought briefly.
“And that, I will definitely do.
Miss Young, can I get a stunning shot of this lady?”