Veiled Echoes

C H A P T E R 3

HANA

I was either going to faint or find a way to end up in the hospital. However, my chances of doing both were close to one percent because my nerves were killing me.

Observing myself in the long-length mirror, I nodded at myself. Even if I did end up in the hospital, no one could say I looked like a deformed bunny. I grabbed another hobby pin from the table and hooked it beneath my bun. So far, I had six bobby pins stuck in my hair as a safety measure to make sure I wouldn't look bedraggled.

My arms ached, and my stomach felt squeezed tight in the dress. But it was worth the discomfort. The way it hugged my figure, accentuating my curves with its ruched bodice, made all the struggle feel justified.

The dress was an elegant, one-shoulder gown in deep navy satin. The fabric flowed smoothly to the floor, giving it a sleek, polished look. A high slit on the side added just the right amount of allure and movement as I spun in front of the mirror, taking in my reflection.

I kept the accessories minimal but sophisticated: small gold hoop earrings and a simple bracelet from Cartier.

"I think it would be love at first sight," Rae spoke from behind me, leaning back against the bed as her eyes swooped me in. "If I saw a woman looking like that, I would have no problem becoming hers."

I chuckled at her words, my cheeks heating up at her compliment.

Thankfully, she had asked one of her friends to cover her library shift and immediately came to my house to help me decide on a dress. Knowing my mind was not in the right place to make a decisive decision, her help meant a lot.

After countless trials and errors, as seen by the myriad dresses laid on the bed, we had settled for this beautiful navy gown.

And I looked gorgeous.

At the knock on my bedroom door, Rae stood up and opened it, revealing my brother and Ethan. The girl bent down to be at Johan's before she twirled him around and squealed.

Johan looked dashing in a navy tuxedo that perfectly matched my dress. The blue bow tie sat perfectly on his neck, complementing his jet-black hair. I couldn't help but scrunch my nose in admiration at how adorable he looked in his attire.

"You look so cute!" She pinched his cheeks as he struggled to pry her hands off him while pink tainted her cheeks. "I could just squish you alive."

Johan's eyes widened in horror before he looked at me in uncertainty, and I shrugged, smiling at them. I appreciated them a lot, more than I showed, because of how they were always there for me and supported me through everything.

As Johan was still seven, leaving him alone at home seemed hypocritical, as I had brought him here from Korea so he would not be lonely in our mansion. Ethan and Rae would volunteer often to look after him to make up for my absence, which meant a lot to me.

"I think we should leave now," I said, grabbing my side bag and spraying perfume for the last time. Glancing at my brother, I held his fingers as they curled around mine. "Let's go."

"Remember, girl, you are going to be the hottest woman there. Going to radiate elegance and grace from miles away." Rae grabbed my shoulder. "Don't let your confidence fade because of a man who was not worthy of your time."

Pulling her for a hug, I circled my arms around her and held her tightly, hoping to convey my gratitude for her presence today. "Thank you."

When we took a step back, she smiled softly at me before ruffling Johan's hair and blowing him a kiss. After we bid goodbyes to both of them, we got in the cab I had ordered.