58: GETTING READY ARIEL’S POV 1/4 I found a comfortable seat and settled myself down, since today was the day for the awaited wedding. Yeah, I know; it’s only been a few days since this crazy idea popped up. I glanced at the mirror in front of me, and I saw the makeup artists approaching with their brushes and palettes. They were all looking beautiful and had huge makeup on their faces, to the point that I was terrified the moment they stepped in. I got to ask: were they running a test on themselves before they came here, or what? “Good morning, Miss,” one of them greeted. She seemed to be the leader around here. “I’m Dayton, and we are all glad to be at your service.” “That’s nice. Then you guys should get to work then. You know what they say: Time waits for nobody. “I gave them a silly laugh after those words. “Don’t worry, miss; we’ll get this done in no time,” another one of them said, with a huge smile on her face. “And we’re going to make you the most beautiful creature in the world,” another said, moving her hand dramatically. I think I should know the names of these people. After a little and humorous conversation, they began to apply makeup to my face, enhancing my natural features and giving me a radiant glow. Gentle movements, skillful hands. And while they did that, my eyes couldn’t help but wander over to the corner of the room where my sparkling wedding gown hung gracefully on its hanger. The sight of it caused me to remember the time when I first got married to Luke. Back then, I was filled with bitterness, knowing that my life was going to be ruined. I never knew that I would break 58: GETTING READY out of the sorrow. 2/4 This gown right now is a vision of elegance and beauty, adorned with delicate lace and shimmering beads that catch the light with every movement. Five stars to whoever designed it. It was really beautiful, and Luke was a billionaire. Of course, he’d try his best to get the best wedding dress in the world. Since a lot of notable billionaires, just like him, would be attending the wedding. As the makeup artists continued their work, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had led me to this moment. Those heartbreaking and gut–wrenching moments, when happiness was really hard to find. And dolefulness would just come to take full control of everything. “You’re going to look so pretty, miss,” Bella said. She was one of the makeup artists. I had some knowledge of their names, but I wasn’t yet clear on who was who. “I know, right? She’s already a beautiful woman. This makeup is going to make everyone explode, especially her lover,” Stephanie spoke with that tiny voice of hers. She, too, was one of the makeup artists. I generated a smile, not saying anything, just letting them carry on. Soon, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the room as my bridesmaids joined me in the bridal suite. I didn’t know, but since they were all smiling, their presence brought a sense of joy and glee. I still drew my mind back to that wedding with Luke years ago. These types of individuals showed up, causing me to smile at that time. But it changed nothing; sadness was still sadness, and sorrow was still the kingpin. Back then, although they were not my friends, they tried to be my pillars of support, willing to lend a listening ear or offer a comforting hug because they could see the pain in my eyes. And I felt incredibly grateful to have them by my side that day. Even though I was still shattered.  As the final touches of makeup were applied, I couldn’t help but steal glances at the clock. Time seemed to move both too fast and too slowly. Every passing minute brought me closer to the moment I would say “I do” and embark on a new chapter of my life. Yes, vengeance was about to begin. 58: GETTING READY 3/4 This new chapter was going to be tough because I was going to get millions of headaches. There was a witch in that house, and who knows? More people like her might come to add fuel to the fire. But I knew I was going to be strong against everyone in that house who would try to mess with me. Finally, the makeup artists stepped back, their work complete. I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling a surge of confidence. Wow, I never knew I was this pretty. Makeup does make a remarkable change in people’s faces. This makeup had transformed me into a bride, a goddess, ready to walk down the aisle and meet my partner at the altar. That good–for–nothing idiot. He too was going to be shocked if he saw this face, as was everyone else who had seen me before. “Just as we had told you, miss, looking all perfect,” Dayton said, blowing me a kiss. I couldn’t help but giggle. “Wow, Luke is really lucky to have you in his life,” Abigail said with a grin. She was one of the bridesmaids who had entered the room. If only she knew what was going down in my mind. If only she knew. “Exactly; her beauty is just so flawless. I have to say, I’m jealous,” Sofia spoke. She was also a bridesmaid. I continued to look at myself in the mirror while the makeup artists stood close to me, along with the bridesmaids. We were all admiring my beauty. “Perfect,” Anna said, giving me the perfect sign. She was one of the makeup artists here. “It’s all good, isn’t it?” Dayton asked, looking at me. I nodded. “That means we can get going, right?” “Come on now; you have to wait,” Anna told her immediately. “Can’t you see we’ll have to help her 58: GETTING READY with the wedding dress?” “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of that,” Sofia stated. “You guys did well. Thank you.” (( The makeup artists smiled before leaving the room. I really enjoyed their company. 4/4 With a deep breath, I stood up from the chair and carefully made my way to the gown. The moment had arrived to slip into my wedding dress and embrace the magic that awaited me. Yeah, right, who am I kidding? I delicately stepped into the gown, and its soft fabric enveloped me. The others in the room helped me out on it. I wore it carefully, since I had an injury on my belly. After I was done, I looked at myself in the mirror. I was indeed a goddess. I don’t love bragging, but this was just fantastic. “Aren’t you going to do the twirling thing?” Abigail smiled at me. I laughed and turned around. “Do I really have to do that?” “Of course,” Andrea said, another bridesmaid. “You’re looking pretty in that wedding dress after all.” I smiled at them. “I’m not in the mood for that.” “There’s no need for you to be shy.” Sofia walked to me. She held my hands and gently took me forward. “Now flaunt that wedding dress of yours.” I sighed. “Okay.” Just as they wanted, I twirled around in my wedding dress, and a feeling of delight washed over me. The smiles of these ladies around me only added to the beauty of the moment. I couldn’t help but feel dashing and elegant as I spun around. The moment was quite lovely. 59: MEMORIES 59: MEMORIES