Evelyn smiled as the cool air brushed against her face. She stretched her hand out of the window, letting the breeze play between her fingers, her gaze fixed on the trees rushing past. It felt surreal—she was really going to see her father.
Earlier, she had thought he wouldn't allow her, even though she had called his name. But to her surprise, things didn't turn out that way. She could still recall the moment his expression changed when she said his name three times. He had picked up his phone, muttered something to someone on the other end, and made to leave.
"Should I take that as a yes?" she had asked, running after him.
He had paused, his back to her. "Hmm," he murmured, offering no further explanation, before walking off with his secretary.
Moments after he left, two individuals entered—people with eccentric hairstyles and tailored suits. One was clearly a woman, but the other? Evelyn wasn't so sure. A man? Or perhaps a woman dressed as a man? No—a man dressed like a woman, with heavy makeup.
"We're here to transform you. Leave yourself to us," they had declared with utmost confidence. Evelyn had blinked twice, speechless.
Now, back to the present, she let out a soft sigh and glanced at her reflection in the car's rearview mirror. She barely recognized the girl staring back at her. "Am I always this beautiful?" she wondered aloud, her lips curving into a faint smile. Her eyes shifted back to the trees outside, her heart fluttering in anticipation.
Somehow, she felt sad. She knew he had assigned the dressers and stylists to make her look perfect for her father, ensuring he wouldn't have to worry. He was doing so much for her, but what had she done in return? Nothing. She hadn't even tried to seduce him or melt his cold demeanor.
It was a marriage with no feelings, but the thought of him not desiring her stung more than she cared to admit. How could she make him want her? Perhaps it would help lessen her fear of him.
As they arrived in the city, she smiled. The vibrancy, the life—she had missed it. It had been so long since she'd seen so many people bustling around. Once upon a time, she had yearned to disappear into the quiet, but now she realized how much she missed this energy.
She hurried into the hospital and spotted her friend Hannah.
"Finally, you're here!" Hanna said
"Where's my father?"
"In his ward," Hannah replied.
"Thanks," Evelyn said as she rushed toward the elevator, with Hannah trailing behind her.
"Your husband finally let you come, huh?" Hannah said, half-running to keep up.
"Tell me about it," Evelyn muttered, stepping into the elevator. She pressed the button for her floor and took a deep breath.
"He really did a good job. I almost didn't recognize you," Hannah teased, gesturing at Evelyn's appearance.
"Tell me about it," Evelyn repeated dryly. "That's my Carlos for me."
Hannah's mouth fell open. "Wait, are you falling for him?"
"No! Why would I?" Evelyn snapped, though her cheeks burned.
"You are," Hannah teased louder.
"Fall for him and seduce him—it's not that hard," she added with a mischievous grin.
Evelyn turned sharply to her. "What's wrong with falling for him? He's my husband anyway. My husband!"
Her voice carried more emotion than she intended, startling Hannah. The poor girl stood there, mouth agape, utterly confused by Evelyn's sudden outburst.