✓ | The Borrowed Identity (Fate's Transgression Series, #4)

TBI 23: Darling

[ Chapter 23: Darling ]

Selene | Selvy

I timidly stepped out of my room, facing the three men who were waiting for me. My gaze was fixed on the floor, avoiding their stares and the possible judgment that awaited me. Nervously, I fiddled with my fingernails, feeling a wave of self-consciousness wash over me.

"How do I look?" nahihiyang saad ko. I couldn't bring myself to meet their eyes just yet.

"Gorgeous!" exclaimed Admiral, his enthusiasm evident in his voice. "As usual, Selene, you look stunning in that pale blue outfit."

"You're beautiful, Selene," Lutch added, his words filled with genuine admiration.

Curiosity piqued, I slowly lifted my head, my eyes cautiously meeting their gazes. Their expressions matched their words, their faces lit up with genuine appreciation. I realized that they had insisted I dress up and wear formal attire, similar to what Valan was wearing, because we were attending a special gathering.

It was a birthday celebration, and they believed that I would look even more radiant in elegant clothing rather than my usual plain shirt, pants, and slippers. Their effort to make me feel special touched my heart, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for their thoughtfulness.

Valan was the only one invited, but he was given a plus one card. Lutch and Admiral will use their shapeshifting abilities to get inside, and although they look like waiters right now, they seem to have other options.

A faint blush painted my cheeks as I mustered a shy smile. "Thank you, both of you. I appreciate your kind words and for encouraging me to dress up," I said, and slowly diverted my attention to the third person inside this suite. "How do I look, Valan?"

I turned to Valan, my heart pounding in my chest as I awaited his response to my question. His expression remained stoic, and I couldn't decipher his thoughts.

"How do I look, Valan?" I repeated, hoping for a more detailed answer.

"Still the same," he finally replied, his voice devoid of any emotion.

A mix of disappointment and confusion washed over me. I had expected a more elaborate response, perhaps a compliment or an acknowledgment of my appearance. But his simple words left me wanting.

"Did I hear him stutter?" Lutch chimed in, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I heard it, too," Admiral added, joining in the playful banter.

Valan's gaze shifted, a hint of irritation crossing his face. "Don't get me started," he warned, his tone laced with a hint of frustration.

Though his response was curt, I couldn't help but detect a flicker of something beneath his composed exterior. It sparked my curiosity, making me wonder what was really going on inside his mind. Perhaps there was more to his reaction than met the eye.

Hindi ko na pinagtuunan ng pansin ang nagsisimula nilang bangayan at tinuon ang aking mata sa salamin. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit at pinagmasdan ang aking sarili. There is remarkable evidence that the differences of clothes can truly make a person different in every aspect.

The pale blue dress I wore hugged my figure elegantly, its fabric adorned with intricate patterns and embellished with sparkling crystals. The off-the-shoulder design added a touch of allure, revealing a hint of my collarbones and highlighting the gentle curve of my neck. The dress flowed gracefully, cascading down to my feet, and with each step, I felt a soft, ethereal sway as the fabric trailed behind me. The silhouette accentuated my curves, accenting my figure in a way that I rarely experienced.