14 Years [GNR/Mötley Crüe]

73. My Replacement

Nadia:

Century Square mall was huge, especially considering the fact that I have to use my two weirdly tiny feet to cover the entire place. It's not a new fact that shopping wasn't among my favorite things to do during the weekends but that was beginning to change.

I remember bailing out on my friends multiple times in the past to avoid coming to this very mall stating reasons like my legs would hurt and that I had enough clothes. Those points still stood (sort of) and my legs were killing me and my arms were tired from carrying all the bags around but I was having fun.

Between the breakup, getting off birth control, and not working out, I ended up losing a lot of weight. Of course, I didn't lose weight everywhere just in all the unnecessary places. The mirrors to my front and sides were a testament to that.

Until a few months back the bones were jutting out only a little on my sides but now they were much more clearly visible even on my chest. I could literally count my ribs.

But of course, the expanse of my body below my waist was shocking and I have come to the realization that there's nothing I could do to decrease it. I couldn't even wear those pencil skirts at work without feeling vulgar and thank god I don't have to wear those anymore!

"Nadia will you at least come out if I tell you that my water broke?!" I heard Phoebe's tired yet dramatic voice from outside the trial room.

"Coming!" I rolled my eyes before reaching for the black low-cut silk dress.

"I have tried 5 clothes already! You're slow!" Jane cried from outside.

Well, I don't get to see myself in so many mirrors all the time!

Quickly pulling it over my head I looked at the reflection. Those bones! I mean I haven't slept with anyone yet though it was nearing three months but I was certain if a guy did see me naked he'd probably think I'm extremely unhealthy. Though I wasn't anymore!

I have been literally walking for two hours in these three-inch heels and I wasn't even panting. My initial acne from getting off the pill was also gone. I was still going to the archery club and I ran at least three days a week.

I just didn't have it in me to go to a gym and lift. I was fine with my current regime.

When I opened the door I was met with wide eyes and a heap of compliments that I didn't know how to reply to, so I turned to Evie.

"Will this be okay?" I looked at her and then at the rest of them. "I don't know it feels very informal,"

"Well it isn't really a formal event," Evie shrugged, "You look fab!"

I sucked in a deep breath and turned to the mirror again.

"What about the red one?" I looked at them. It was similar but it had a slit on the side and I kind of liked it though I wasn't sure where I would wear it.

"It looked great but for tonight it might be too much. This is perfect!" Kate said and I nodded.

After a month of arguing and making our junior associates revise the contract multiple times, Chris and I came to an agreement that seemed to benefit both of our clients. The merger was finally over.

To celebrate that, our clients that is the new business partners were throwing a huge cocktail party at one of the hotels tonight. The firm had its own celebration for the same two days back but this was a separate event in itself which invited all the investors and other influential people.

Of course, Chris and I too were invited for making their dream come true smoothly and quickly instead of dragging it out for a year like some M&A's.