Chapter 4 - Chapter 4 – The Makeover

Amara continued staring at herself in the mirror, hardly believing the reflection looking back at her was real. The deep blue dress hugged her figure perfectly and flowed down elegantly to the floor. For the first time in a long time, she didn't look like someone struggling to survive. She looked… important. The saleswoman smiled proudly. "It fits you perfectly." Amara slowly turned toward Adrian, still unsure how to react. "Are you sure about this?" she asked quietly. Adrian didn't hesitate. "Yes." The saleswoman clapped her hands softly. "Wonderful. I'll prepare it immediately." She hurried away with excitement while Amara carefully walked back toward the changing room. A few minutes later she returned wearing her normal uniform again, holding the dress carefully in a protective cover. Adrian had already finished paying when she stepped out. Amara stared at him in shock. "You already bought it?" Adrian looked at her calmly. "Yes." "But I didn't even say yes yet." "You didn't say no either." Amara sighed quietly. "You really don't waste time, do you?" Adrian ignored the comment and began walking toward the exit. Amara quickly followed him outside, still holding the expensive dress carefully like it was made of glass. When they reached the car again, Adrian opened the door and waited for her to get inside. Once they were both seated, the driver started the engine and pulled back into the street. Amara gently placed the dress beside her and leaned back in the seat. "I feel like I'm in someone else's life," she said softly. Adrian looked out the window. "Get used to it." Amara turned toward him. "You say that like this fake relationship will last longer than one dinner." Adrian didn't answer immediately. After a moment he said, "That depends on tomorrow." Amara frowned slightly. "You keep saying that." Adrian turned his attention back to her. "My father is not easy to convince." "So if he doesn't believe us?" Adrian shrugged slightly. "Then we continue the act until he does." Amara's eyes widened. "Continue?" Adrian nodded. "Possibly." Amara leaned back again and stared at the ceiling of the car. "I should have asked more questions before agreeing to this." Adrian gave a faint smile. "It's too late now." The car stopped again a few minutes later, but this time it wasn't another clothing store. Amara looked outside and saw a tall building with large glass windows. Inside she could see people getting their hair styled and others sitting while someone worked carefully on their makeup. She turned slowly toward Adrian. "No." Adrian opened the door. "Yes." Amara shook her head immediately. "Absolutely not." Adrian stepped out of the car and looked at her through the open door. "You're coming." Amara remained seated. "Why do I need to go in there?" "Because tomorrow night you will be standing next to me in front of my entire family." Amara crossed her arms. "And?" Adrian raised an eyebrow slightly. "And you can't appear like you just finished cleaning an office." Amara looked down at her uniform and sighed. "That's a little harsh." "It's the truth." After a few seconds she finally stepped out of the car. "Fine," she said reluctantly. "But if they do something weird to my hair, I'm blaming you." Adrian didn't respond as they entered the salon together. The employees immediately recognized him and greeted him politely. One of the stylists approached them with a bright smile. "Mr. Blackwood, welcome back." Adrian gestured toward Amara. "She needs help." The stylist looked at Amara and her smile grew even bigger. "Of course. Please come with me." Amara followed her slowly while Adrian sat down in the waiting area. Soon several stylists surrounded Amara, examining her hair and discussing ideas quietly among themselves. "Your hair is actually very beautiful," one of them said. "It just needs some attention." Another stylist smiled. "And your skin tone will look amazing with the right makeup." Amara felt slightly overwhelmed by all the attention. "Just… don't turn me into someone unrecognizable," she said nervously. The stylists laughed softly. "Trust us." Almost two hours passed while they worked carefully. When they finally finished, the main stylist gently turned Amara toward the large mirror. "Take a look." Amara slowly opened her eyes. For a moment she couldn't speak. Her hair was styled beautifully, falling smoothly around her shoulders. The light makeup highlighted her features perfectly without looking too heavy. She looked elegant, confident… and completely different. Adrian stood up from the waiting area and walked closer when he saw they were finished. The stylist smiled proudly. "What do you think, Mr. Blackwood?" Adrian looked at Amara for a long moment. His expression remained calm, but there was something new in his eyes. Something that hadn't been there before. "Perfect," he said simply. Amara looked at him through the mirror. "Really?" Adrian nodded once. "Yes." Amara slowly stood up from the chair. For the first time since this strange arrangement started, she felt a small spark of confidence inside her. Maybe she could actually do this. Maybe tomorrow night wouldn't be a complete disaster. But as she followed Adrian back toward the car, one thought quietly crossed her mind. If Sophia reacted so coldly just from seeing her in a cleaner's uniform… what would happen tomorrow when she appeared at the dinner as Adrian Blackwood's girlfriend?