Chapter 15

I stared at my reflection, almost unable to believe the woman in the mirror was me. It had been so long since I’d worn my hair long—I’d chopped it off years ago because it was too much to maintain. Now, with the added extensions cascading down my back, it framed my face like silk. The glasses were gone, replaced with contacts that made my eyes look brighter, sharper. My skin was smooth under the soft sweep of makeup, my lips painted with just the right shade to make them look fuller. “I bet you can’t even recognize yourself,” Miss Susan said with a playful smile as she stood behind me. I let out a shaky laugh, almost choking on the emotion rising in my throat. “Don’t cry,” she teased gently. “We wouldn’t want to ruin that masterpiece of a face now, would we?” I shook my head quickly, grinning. “No. I look… gorgeous, Miss Susan.” She stepped forward and wrapped me in a warm hug. “Now,” she said, pulling back, “it’s time to put on your dress, Aina.” A knock came at the door, and my mothe