Healing Melody (Very Slow Updates)

23. Innocent Temptress

The oppressive aura blanketing us is withdrawn along with Galan's departure; evident in the way Hannah and Tatiana's postures ease, and also in the way Miranda takes the supercilious attitude up a notch—or two.

She sneers at me, that fake nose wrinkling with distaste, at what exactly, I have no interest in uncovering. So, I pretend to be oblivious and skim through the gowns they brought forward this time.

One dress catches my eye: A glamorous gold dress.

Mesmerized by the beautiful shade and recalling that gold is Galan's favourite color, I excitedly slide it out from the hanger and head for the changing room.

"Don't get too ahead of yourself. You can't pull off this look," Miranda says through gritted teeth just before I close the door.

First Barbie, then Regina George, now this?

Give me a goddamn break.

I rein in my temper as much as I can. "It was in your selection. Besides, no harm trying right? Who knows?" I brandish a sweet smile at her like a sharpened sword, "I might look like America's next top model." Then, I shut the door in her face with a soft click that portrays the finality in my reply more so than an outright slam.

Soft giggles can be heard on the other side of the door, which quickly die down after that viper of a woman hisses angrily. I quickly slip the dress on in anticipation, ignoring her spiteful opinion.

Hannah and Tatiana gasp in wonder when I step out to view myself in the full-length mirror. Hannah fawns over my toned back which is exposed by the backless criss-cross design, while Tatiana points out that the mermaid cutting accentuates my perky rear. So I put it on my to-do list to treat Lucas to a huge meal.

What am I saying? He'd probably want a barrel of protein powder instead.

I note through the reflection that Miranda is frigidly assessing me. She scoffs after a moment. "I don't see what all the fuss is about. It's the dress that is beautiful. Anyone would look beautiful in it."

Her two assistants share a secret glance but stay silent. Meanwhile, a single brow of mine lifts slightly at the lack of congruence in her statement, apparent from the envy in her gaze which contradicts the unconvincing tone her voice took on, but of course I don't bring that to light.

I'm not keen on involving myself in petty squabbles with petty people.

I return my attention to the gown I've adorned which hugs my curves in all the right places and falls so beautifully to the ground. "You're right. The dress is beautiful. So, all the more I should take it right?"

She sputters a little, at a loss for words. I smooth my palms over the soft and silky fabric of the gown as I admire it with a smile. "How much is the dress?"

From the corner of my eye, I notice the way she looks me up and down. Then she scoffs again before saying, "You can't afford it."

"I'll decide for myself after you tell me the price."

"It's seven thousand dollars." She grins smugly.

I frown. That expensive?

While I'm in deep thought, Miranda mistakes it as my inability to afford it. "You're just a gold digger, no wonder gold suits you so well. Stop pretending to be so noble."

Her ugly sneers are really getting on my alter ego's nerves.

"I'll take it." I search my bag and hand her my credit card after deducing that it's worth the money since I'm attending as Galan's partner. I need to look the part. It's the least I could do.