Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Thirty One

The farewell ball came too fast. It felt like only yesterday that Merida would stare at her reflection and whisper that she was ugly. Now, here she was, smiling at her mirror and loving herself more than anyone else.

"You look so beautiful!" Beth awed, her eyes brimming with tears.

The gown fit her like it was made of starlight. Even she could barely recognize the girl in the reflection. She twirled once, softly murmuring, "You look so different tonight."

Beth rushed down ahead, eager to catch photos of her daughter's descent.

As Merida stepped onto the staircase, Leo stood waiting. His calm blue eyes met hers, and her heart fluttered — though a pang of longing for hazel eyes she once loved lingered in the back of her mind.

She reached the bottom, and Leo offered his hand. She accepted it with a smile. For reasons she didn't understand, he didn't offer her any compliments.

"You two look good together!" Beth exclaimed, snapping a quick photo of them gazing at one another — one look brimming with love, the other quietly empty. She knew the truth, and tears slipped down her cheeks.

Before stepping out, Beth leaned close to Leo and whispered something. Whatever it was, it made him smile.

"Don't worry," he assured softly. "She'll be fine."

Beth waved as they left. "Have a good night, both of you," she called, though her eyes still carried worry.

At the ballroom, Yuri and Lisa immediately rushed over, dragging Merida into endless selfies. The boys just watched until Yuri called them over to capture their "squad shot."

"This night is going to be epic!" Yuri declared as they entered the glowing hall.

The magic of the evening wrapped Merida like a dream. Yet no matter how hard she tried, her gaze kept drifting to Jacob. Too often. Too obvious. And Leo noticed every single time.

They settled at a table near the food and drinks, Brandon already sneaking snacks. That was when Candice appeared, wine glass in hand and malice in her smile.

"Hello there, ugly duckling," she sneered. "I've got a big surprise for you later."

Merida forced a calm smile. "I hope it's one I'll never forget."

Candice leaned in, eyes sharp as knives. "Oh, you won't." Then she turned and strutted away.

Leo squeezed Merida's hand. "It's alright. You've got us," he murmured with his usual steady smile.

The night rolled with laughter, music, and performances. Halfway through, Yuri tugged Merida and Lisa toward the powder room.

"Merida, Candice is planning something," Lisa warned, her worry genuine.

Merida shook her head, her eyes gleaming. "Let her. I'm not scared anymore." She hugged Lisa tightly. "The past doesn't matter. What matters is now — and we're friends."

Yuri rolled her eyes at the sight. "Ugh, you two are so dramatic." Still, she leaned into their hug, secretly grateful.

When they returned, the emcee introduced the next "anonymous" act — a slideshow. But the screen instead lit up with a video. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Screams followed.

Merida's heart pounded. The video showed a girl being harassed. It was her.

The video cut off, and silence swallowed the room. All eyes darted between the screen and Merida. She felt every whisper press against her skin, every stare burning into her. Her chest tightened — but instead of shame, she felt something powerful surge inside her.