"A makeover?"

"Des, you do NOT need a makeover?"

Shayla and Mindy sat crammed in together on an armchair. 

They were alone in the private changing room area of Shayla's mom's high-end boutique.

"Yes, I do....just look at me!" Desiree gestured to her usual wardrobe of ripped jeans and an oversized cropped-top.

"You're gorgeous! Where is all this coming from?" 

"Look are you guys gonna' be helpful with this or not?" 

The two girls looked on, bewildered as Desiree rid herself of her shirt, tugging it over her head and wiggling out of her jeans. 

She pulled one of the five-hundred dollar dresses off the rack over her head and shoulders. 

"Haven't you heard of the saying 'new year, new me?'" Desiree asked, huffing and puffing as she fought her arms through the top of the dress. 

Shayla and Mindy raised their eyebrows, rolling their eyes simultaneously. 

"Well this.." Desiree said, tucking a strand of freshly straightened hair behind her ears and adjusting the straps of the mid-length powder-blue dress, "....is the new me!"

The girls also accompanied her earlier that day to the hair salon where they waited as she got her mane of untamed tresses blown out into a neat, silky curtain that flowed down her back. 

Dark, whispy bangs fell sultrily into her eyes and Desiree marvelled at seeing herself look this glamorous for the first time in her life. 

It was a small  change which made a drastic difference. She could hardly recognise herself in the reflection of the store window as they walked out of the salon..... but she could get used to it!

Desiree pulled the flowy sheath of fabric down the rest of the way, looking satisfied with herself in the mirror and Shayla's eyes narrowed in judgement.

The dress was soft, feminine and girly. Nothing like Desiree would normally wear. 

"You look 30!" Shayla exclaimed and Mindy elbowed her in the ribs.

"Good!" Desiree bristled, defiantly. Their gazes all meeting in the mirror for a second before Des proceeded to ignore the two. She studied herself more intently from every angle.

"Well I think you look...nice!" Mindy complimented, trying her best to be supportive but both friends were confused as to what had sparked the sudden change in Des. 

She was fine just the way she was but suddenly woke up one day and decided that she wanted to try to be somebody else! It puzzled them.

They didn't know that after scrolling through Natalie's Instagram page and being bombarded by images of an elegant, poised young woman with perfect hair, makeup and a sophisticated lifestyle of travelling the world and going to fancy parties- Desiree had been catapulted into a raging sea of insecurity and emotional despair.

No wonder Taehyung didn't want her. 

She looked grubby, unpolished and immature while Natalie was everything that she wasn't!

Looking back on it, she realised that she had masqueraded as an obviously easy target for him to use and humiliate. 

The way she presented herself was sending out all the wrong signals to guys. She looked like 'a good time' while Natalie was definite 'wifey' material.

But not anymore...

The next time that Kim Taehyung would set eyes on her, she would look like a good girl not just a slut he thought he could fuck on the side and get away with it. 

Her heart twinged just thinking about it....being perceived that way. It took her this long to realise that this was what he'd thought of her from the beginning and it hurt. 

He even said it himself the other night at the party that she was 'cheap' ?

Desiree felt silly for having ever thought that there was any way she could compete with a woman like Nathalie. 

But at least for tonight, she could try. 

Even though it was the last place on earth that she would want to be, this dinner was her responsibility. Her Dad left her in charge of everything and so she would have suck it up, be a good hostess and think only in the interest of her family's business. No matter who the client was, she was going to put her emotions aside and ensure that all went to plan, whether she liked to or not.

The engagement party, being only two hours away now- Desiree felt a sudden streak of panic. She needed to find something suitable to wear, and quick! 

                                                            ***

Taehyung smiled through gritted his teeth. He was sat at the table, to his left was Nathalie and to his right was Mr Suleman. The older man kept a firm grip on his shoulder- face widened into a Joker's grin. 

"To my daughter and future son-in-law!" he boomed across the room and the guests who were there all cheered happily together in support for the young couple.

Taehyung felt sick to his stomach. He stayed quiet and just let everything carry on around him.

Mr Suleman was so fake, everything and all this was entirely fake and Taehyung couldn't believe that he had walked into a trap like this one. 

He glanced over at Nathalie next to him. The stunning girl's eyes glistening wet with emotion as she thanked everyone for coming and fanned herself to abate her emotions.

Taehyung wondered what the hell she was even crying about?

Its not like the two of them were ever in love or anything like that. In fact, she'd had another lover the entire time they'd tried dating before he met Des.

 He even saw her flirting heavily with the pool guy just yesterday! so Taehyung knew very well that her affections didn't lie solely with him.

It didn't bother him that much though. He had been no Saint either.

As much as he hated the whole situation, Taehyung was fully aware that he had a part to play and so he did. 

If things were to go smoothly according to Hoseok's plan, then he would have to go along with the narrative, for now. 

His platinum blonde head fell back as Taehyung quickly downed the supply of champagne in front of him in one gulp. Setting the empty glass back on the table, he let out a low groan of annoyance under his breath. 

How much longer did he have to be here?

Mr. Suleman squeezed his shoulder painfully upon noticing and whispered subtly into the young man's ear.

"Don't you go messing up this wonderful night for my daughter, do you hear me boy?"

"Yes Sir..." Taehyung answered lowly.

He worked up the courage to fake a smile, his eyes greeted the people surrounding them. Some he had seen before- others he had never laid eyes on in his life.  

When Taehyung and Nathalie had entered the darkened restaurant and the light suddenly flicked on, the crowd had yelled, 'surprise!' And what a surprise indeed it was.

Taehyung looked around, feeling hyper-aware of where he was and who else he might see tonight. Of all the restaurants in town, why did they have to pick this one?

Desiree's father's Restaurant was classy and beautifully decorated because of the occasion. The atmosphere was made warm and intimate by the glowing light emanating from endless candles thoughtfully scattered throughout the space and bountiful pink and white flower centre-pieces adorning each table.

The beautiful young woman at his side had squealed in delight, clinging to his arm but Taehyung didn't have eyes for her.

No.

The most enchanting thing in the room wasn't the decor or the flowers but the young girl dressed in blue, standing shyly at the far corner of the room. 

She kept herself occupied, instructing the waiters and checking on the other tables. He noticed that she was avoiding his one and he could fully understand why.

Part of him was grateful. He had thought about Desiree day and night since he last saw her and was afraid he would not be able to mask his emotions if she came to stand right in front of him. 

A sad smile crept upon his face as he watched her every movement whenever she wasn't looking. 

The pretty maiden worked assiduously, flitting discreetly from the front of house to the back behind where the kitchens were. 

Her  skill-set was impressive. It reflected in the seamless flow of the evening and in every dish that came out to the table. Each one more perfect and delicious tasting than the last!

Teahyung wasn't sure how he'd managed to eat anything given how disconnected he felt but just knowing that the girl of his dreams had some part in preparing the meal set before him, made him devour every bit of it with relish. 

He wished they could be back at the beach house, alone. Her wide eyes watching him as he ate, her delicate fingers strumming gently through his hair. 

He missed that feeling of being cherished and cared for by her.

"Taehyung.....Taehyung!" 

He broke from his thoughts, blinking twice before his vision cleared to take in the view of a mildly ticked off, Nathalie.

Her beautiful face twisted in displeasure.

"What has gotten into you?" she palmed his leg under the table and he gently moved her hand away, "Its like you aren't even here!" she whispered.

He could hear the hot undertone of embarrassment in her voice.

"I'm sorry," Taehyung muttered and straightened his tie.

More and more people came forward, congratulating them on their engagement. The stranger's faces swam in a blur before his eyes. 

He didn't want anything to do with what was happening in this room right now.

Taehyung exercised the thought of getting up and fleeing the venue but one slimy stare or rancid smile from Mr. Suleman to his right, kept him glued to his seat.

He could feel the old geezer watching his every move and was careful to avoid openly looking at Des for fear that the man would figure out that there was ever something between them.

If he did, then Mr Suleman would come to know that Des was the girl who had nearly spoiled his plans for Taehyung.

Another man who Taehyung recognised as one of Mr Suleman's long-time business partners approached, engaging the older man in deep conversation.

He could pick up on some of their exchange, something along the lines of,

"Yes! He'll be taking over for me soon!"

Taehyung clenched his jaw taking another glass of champagne off of a passing waiter's tray and again, emptied it quickly down his throat.

Sneaking a glance again, he saw the young girl over at the door. She was writing on a clipboard.

She looked different. Her hair straight and her freckles hidden under makeup. 

He didn't really like it but she was still the prettiest creature he'd ever seen.

He watched as her plump lips moved silently. She was counting something on her fingers then she paused before going back to scribbling on the pad.

Taehyung smiled to himself looking at how cute she was....

His heart beating, aching, yearning for her.

Suddenly, Nathalie's voice pierced his conscience. He turned in surprise to see her glaring at him. 

"Can you at least try and pretend that you're the least bit interested in me?" she frowned prettily, "Tonight is important!"

"For who?" Taehyung whispered bitterly.

"For the both of us!" Nathalie hissed. 

He could tell that she was getting fed up of him not paying enough attention to her the entire night.

Taehyung flinched as he felt her small hands come up to grasp his jaw.

"They want to take a photo! Now smile and kiss me!" she hissed before pressing her mouth over his. 

Nathalie closed her eyes, kissing him hard on the mouth while he heard the shutters click and a few people hoot and cheer around them.

When Nathalie drew away from him, she had the smile of a Cheshire Cat. 

All he could think about was whether Des saw the kiss or not.

"Oh no...." Taehyung sighed to himself hanging his head low.

She must have seen.

The front door of the Restaurant swung hauntingly in the wake of the girl who was now gone, out into the night. 

                                                               ***

                                  🌴 I hope you enjoyed x 🌴

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                                                       ✨ BJF ✨