The Captured

Season 02 Episode 20

I hate being occupied with these exams and inactive here... Can't wait to be back with you all.
Enjoy.

Grateful for my wardrobe stylist's timely arrival, I hurriedly changed into the dress she had picked out for me. It was a simple white number that fell elegantly below my knees, and I couldn't help but admire her choice as I surveyed myself in the mirror.

She handed me a pair of rimmed sunglasses, and I obliged, chuckling at her unexpected enthusiasm for makeup and hair styling.

I usually kept things simple in that department, opting for flavored lip balms over lipstick. But today, feeling unusually upbeat, I allowed her to apply a bright red lipstick she offered.

As she worked her magic on my makeup and hair, adding light waves and finishing touches with a spritz of hairspray, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

When she finally declared me ready and urged me to take a look in the mirror, I was taken aback by the transformation.

The vibrant lipstick, styled hair, and accessorized neckline gave me a newfound confidence, making me feel like I was about to strut down a runway.

I thanked my stylist genuinely as she packed up her things and left. My feet were sore from the cross sandals, so I slipped them off for a moment of relief. With some time to spare, I headed to my laptop and logged into my account. Goosebumps prickled my skin as I noticed Adam had seen my message at 12:35 p.m. but hadn't replied. The knot in my stomach tightened, and anxiety surged through me.

Why hadn't he replied? Was he angry with me for walking out on him? Where was he?

A knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I realized I'd been nervously biting my nails and quickly got up, tossing the laptop into the closet before answering the door. But Sylvia and the others were already inside.

"Um, hi."

I greeted nervously, my heart racing.

"You look so damn sassy!" Sylvia exclaimed, her jaw dropping in awe.

I nodded impatiently, feeling the weight of anxiety settling in.

"Thanks,"

I murmured, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy, as I slipped into my sandals.

"You look... gorgeous yourself."

I added as we made our way out. Sylvia grinned at the compliment, and we joined the others.

As she walked ahead of me, I couldn't help but notice her outfit-a short floral gown paired with a plain brown bikini and mini shorts. Her lipstick was a dull peach color, contrasting with my own dark shade.

"You look cute, Appi," Rim commented when I stepped outside.

"So do you, princess."

I replied, planting a small kiss on her cheek before joining the group.

Everyone was there, including Tamimi, who sat slightly apart from the crowd. His attire-a tied striped tee, branded belt, and shorts-gave him a relaxed yet stylish vibe, as if he belonged on a Maldives beach rather than at the back of the mansion.

Barron approached him with a glass of cocktail, which he declined with a wave of his hand.