A/N: No notification alert daw yung last update. So to my beautiful readers seeing this now na hindi nakabasa ng update last week (chapter 27), basahin muna that chapter ⬅️ bago ito at baka maloka /malito kayo kapag direcho kayo dito.
The rest.... 😂😘 enjoy!
With love,
PQ xo—————
The curved black brush glided with ease along Amanda's long lashes. The Diorshow Iconic mascara's overcurl formula doing its magic to enhance the faux lash extensions she glued on her lids awhile ago.
That should do it.
Amanda smirks, looking at her alluring reflection in the rectangular pocket mirror, quietly praising her makeup application skills - something she acquired after years of trial and error. Her foundation is flawless with a hint of shimmer on the crease of her cheekbones, making her look elegantly sun-kissed.
"I don't know how you make it look so easy, Pra".
The beauty queen snorted, "practice makes perfect, Vee. As if you cannot apply great makeup yourself."
If was fifteen minutes until seven in the morning and she was on a video call with Veena for almost an hour now. The other woman serving as a lone audience to the Thai delegate's meticulous hair and makeup routine - proxying for Bernadette Belle who went door-to-door to hang out with other delegates, taking the pageant easy like a university sorority girl.
"Oh, I know how to put on good makeup, but what you're applying? I could feel the foundation layer's as thick as my thumb. You just make it look flawless — and that's a compliment, but I won't dare put that amount of makeup on my face", Veena said while nibbling a pack of trail mix as a goose-tingling synth combined with the climactic voice of Lady Gaga belting Bad Romance echo in the back.
Amanda laughed at her friend's reply, "I cannot wait until it's your turn to be in the spotlight, then you'll have to apply this much layers — your wedding day perhaps?"
"Oh god, Amanda! You wish!", the woman on the other lined snickered. "You ready for the prelims tonight?"
Amanda nodded, "I still can't believe I'm living my dream and that it's finally happening", her tone filled with hope and jubilation. "It still feels surreal sometimes."
"I'm very proud of you, Pra —- and I wish you the best for tonight! Bring out all the confidence!"
"Thanks, Vee", the Thai beauty queen said. "I am actually a little nervous. Pui will most likely throw a fit tonight when she sees me wearing a gown she hasn't approved", she chuckled. "It's a good thing she isn't watching at the venue or else she might humiliate me in public—thanks for bringing my gowns".
"Welcome. You're doing the right thing. It's time to take hold of your journey ——- speaking of right things, how are you going to handle your situation after the pageant?"
"What situation?"
Veena rolled her eyes, "a situation named Rabiya".
Amanda's eyes crinkle at the corners, she smirks. She can see Veena grinning ear to ear on the small screen of her phone. Her ex-girlfriend turned close friend genuinely looks happy for her.
"To be honest, this hits differently, Vee. I mean don't get me wrong nor think I didn't take you seriously before—"
Veena interrupted Amanda with her laugh, "Come on, Pra. We were like half-serious with each other. It was fun, but——we needed to let go and grow. Anyway, sorry—continue! I'm highly curious!"

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