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Chapter 65
The room is now quiet save for the faint hum of the fan in the corner as the designers have completed their work. Still in awe of the
woman staring back at me I stood in front of the mirror. My reflection appeared both strange and familiar like a past incarnation of
myself.
The hair, makeup and dress all represented a metamorphosis that extended beyond ones outward looks. I felt more composed and in
charge as though I were on the brink of a brand–new existence.
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I gave my reflection a final glance savoring the way the navy dress embraced my curves the delicate waves of my hair framing my face
and the striking yet sophisticated makeup that accentuated features I hadnt recently given much thought to. I could identify with this
version of myself–the strong self–assured woman who was once widely shared on social media and who people looked up to for her grace
confidence and sense of style.
But I felt a nagging pain. Even though I liked the way I looked I couldnt help but feel a strange uneasiness creeping up my back. When
Alex had left I had hardly noticed because I had been so preoccupied with my transformation and how everything felt and looked.
After the designers had completed their work the room had become oddly quiet. I looked toward the door expecting to see Alex waiting
there smiling that kind encouraging smile. However he was not present. The situation was peculiar. I had not heard him go and the
designers had made no mention of him leaving.
I glanced at the three women who had just performed their magic in the hopes that they would provide me with some insight into his
possible whereabouts.
I asked trying to sound informal “Has Alex left?”
The designer who had been so careful with the dresses Clara glanced at the other two and then answered. “I saw him walk out a little
while ago” she said in a tone that was almost contrite. “He appeared hurried but he made no mention of leaving.”
I attempted to conceal the uneasiness that was beginning to seep into my being. Throughout the transformation he had been there to
guide and support me at every turn why had he left without telling me? What would cause him to abruptly vanish in that manner?
Although I looked at the other two women it didnt appear that they knew much more. Their attention had been on their own work
making sure my makeover was flawless.
With my heart rate slightly increasing I pressed “Did he say anything before he left?”
The walking coach Sophia shook her head after appearing to pause for a moment. “No he made no specific mentions. He looked worried for a second before leaving.”
Strangely enough he made no mention of his destination… I nodded slowly as my stomach began to sink. Alex had consistently been there for me when I needed him so why would he abruptly leave without saying anything? His absence felt strange like a tiny fissure in the foundation of everything we had been constructing.
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Chapter 65
As soon as they realized I was uncomfortable the designers started to pack up and get ready to leave.
Well Monica said smiling reassuringly at me” We’ll leave you to admire your new look. You look amazing Ava. Absolutely beautiful.”
As they packed their things and walked out of the room leaving me to think alone I forced a smile and nodded my gratitude. The room
felt deserted now and my worries were heightened by the silence. I looked in the mirror once more but this time I was unable to ignore
the tiny fissures in the flawless exterior 1 had worked so hard to create.
Although I did look different–better even–1 couldnt get rid of the underlying feeling. What had happened and where had Alex gone? I
tried to relax by taking a deep breath. I didnt see why I should be bothered by such a thing. Most likely he was just taking a quick break
to attend to something significant.
On the other hand why wouldnt he have spoken to me or told me anything at all? I looked down at my phone half expecting to see a
missed call or a message but there was nothing. He had not responded. It increased the uneasiness in my chest. In an attempt to
concentrate on the here and now on the woman I had just transformed into over the last few hours I ran my fingers through my freshly
styled hair.
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But the uncertainty persisted. I hadnt really stopped to think about what was going on on the inside–what was going on with the people
around me–because I had been so preoccupied with how I looked and the external change. Even though I really wanted to enjoy this new
appearance I couldnt help but notice how empty the area where Alex had been moments before was.
What had happened? Why hadnt he shown up? Telling myself that I was overanalyzing the situation and that everything would be alright when he returned I managed to gather myself. However my doubts seemed to grow stronger the more I tried to persuade myself.
Had I overreacted to this misunderstood something that turned out to be nothing at all or was there more to this abrupt disappearance than I had thought? I kept thinking about how focused and encouraging he had been earlier helping me through my entire makeover and
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