Chapter 38
Nina dragged me to her styling studio, sat me down in a chair, and gave me an exquisite makeover. Then she had me change into a gown she'd specially brought. Looking at myself in the mirror, I was so beautiful I barely recognized myself.
I don't like looking in mirrors. Even after the plastic surgery removed those ugly scars, I rarely look at my own face. When I face a mirror, I only feel like a stranger.
"Emily, you look absolutely stunning. Tonight, you're going to be the most gorgeous woman there. Mark my words, you'll be in tomorrow's news," Nina said, looking at me with exaggerated admiration.
It's just a cocktail party - what news could there possibly be?
"This fabric feels like liquid silk - what is this material? And I definitely never gave you my current measurements. How did you just happen to have something that fits this perfectly?" I asked, genuinely amazed.
Nina's smile turned absolutely smug, her little dimples practically glowing with satisfaction: "This is custom mulberry silk I had specially sourced - there's barely any of this stuff available. And this wasn't just 'something I happened to have' - I had it made specifically for you. Honey, my eyes are basically a measuring tape. One look at you and I can read your measurements."
I instinctively hugged myself and playfully swatted at her with a laugh: "The way you're talking... sounds kind of sleazy, doesn't it? Don't just worry about me - you haven't gotten ready yet. Where's your gown?"
Nina struck a seductive pose in front of the mirror: "I could throw on a dishrag, and people would think it's the latest fashion. So I can just wear whatever. Today I'm happy to stand beside you as the beautiful woman's sidekick."
She looked at me seriously: "Your necklace doesn't really match the gown. Come on, I have a set of blue diamonds that would go perfectly with this dress. I've kept them locked in the safe and never lent them out. Fine jewelry for a beautiful woman - today I'm giving it to you."
I stared at her wide-eyed: "Are you so rich now that you're just giving away diamonds?"
"It depends on who it's for. For you, I'd give anything willingly." As she spoke, she pulled me toward her office.
The large blue diamonds scattered beautiful halos of light under the lamps. Whether it was the necklace, bracelet, brooch, or hair accessories, each piece was as exquisite as a work of art.
Nina helped me put them on while explaining, "I bought these diamonds at an auction overseas, then came back and made this jewelry set myself. Remember when you got married and I told you your wedding dress and jewelry didn't match? I said I'd give you a set when I had the chance. It took me two years to make... Thank God I waited until you came back."
Nina's eyes reddened, tears filling them. She gave me a hug, as if celebrating that I could still stand before her, wearing the jewelry she'd designed for me with her own hands.
I gently patted her back and softly comforted her: "Come on, don't cry every time this comes up. I'm standing right here in front of you, perfectly fine. You need to look beautiful today, too. Let me help you pick out a gown."
Nina drove us to Silver Haven Hotel. As soon as we entered, before we even got close, I saw a group of people gathered together, their voices drifting over faintly:
"This is a gown designed by Ms. Davis. It took several months to custom-make. Plus, I have a piano performance later, so my mom specially commissioned Ms. Davis to design it." The voice coming from the distance was actually Sophia's.
I instinctively looked at Nina. She had mentioned something about Sophia commissioning a gown from her, but I hadn't paid attention to what happened after that.
Nina raised her eyebrows at me with a smile, looking like she was ready to enjoy the show, and led me slowly inside.
"Getting Nina to design something custom isn't cheap. No wonder you seemed especially different when you walked in. Your mom is so good to you."
"Which designer isn't? I think what suits you best is what matters." A different voice appeared dismissively.
Sophia spoke softly: "That's true, there are many designers. As long as it suits you, that's what counts. The main thing is that Ms. Davis doesn't take just anyone's orders. If it weren't for my brother, she probably wouldn't have agreed."
"I heard you mention before that your brother has a special relationship with her. I didn't quite believe it, but it turns out it's true. If she becomes your sister-in-law someday, won't you have endless custom pieces to wear?"
"Look, I didn't mean it that way. My brother told me not to talk nonsense, afraid it would be bad for Nina's reputation." Sophia quickly lowered her voice. "You guys better not spread this around."
Her reaction actually made what she said seem more credible.
Someone said dismissively, "What's there to hide? She's not the mayor's daughter anymore, just a small-time designer. Your brother is more than good enough for her."
"What are you all talking about? Let me hear too." Nina's face was bright with a smile, her voice clear and cheerful.
The person who had just spoken turned around, and the moment they saw Nina, their expression changed. Soon, someone else laughed and chimed in: "Nina, long time no see."
"You're here today too? We were just discussing how beautiful the gown you designed for Sophia is."
But Sophia immediately fixed her gaze on me - or rather, she was staring intently at the gown I was wearing.
Similar fabric, similar style, but clearly, whether in cut or design, mine was more elegant and sophisticated than hers.
The others naturally noticed this too, looking curiously at me standing beside Nina, sizing me up discreetly.
Nina looked at Sophia, a faint smile playing at her lips: "Are you talking about the gown she's wearing? That's not my design. It was a rejected draft that I thought was too wasteful to throw away, so I let an intern practice with it. Ms. Brown, wearing it is fine, but you'd better not tell people it's my work. That would damage my reputation. This is the real thing."
Nina gestured toward me with both hands: "Let me introduce everyone - this is Emily, quite a remarkable person."
"Comparison really is the thief of joy, isn't it?"
"That gown looks like it was made just for her. Nina really is a genius designer with impeccable taste. Amazing."
Sophia's face immediately flushed red, her hands not knowing where to go, as if she'd been stripped naked and exposed in a public square. But soon she adjusted her embarrassed expression and walked up to me with a smile, intimately linking her arm with mine: "Ms. Wilson, I didn't expect you'd be invited to the Crownlight Reception too. Your dress is so beautiful."
Sophia faced everyone with a composed expression, her smile proper and gracious: "You probably don't know - she's Uncle Gregory's fiancée, just back from overseas. Since she's here, it's a perfect chance for everyone to get acquainted."
Nina looked at Sophia's flawless face with a half-smile: "You're really something. It's normal for Gregory to know Ms. Wilson, but why are you being so intimate with Ms. Wilson? People who don't know might think you're having an affair with your own brother-in-law."
Light laughter came from the side, making Sophia's face turn bright red. When she looked up at Nina, her eyes were brimming with tears: "Nina, I've always respected you. I've never understood what I did to offend you that you'd say such things about me. We've already let go of what my sister did - are you still going to hold onto it?"
Her words sparked gossip again: "Your sister is Emma, right? What did she do?"
"You don't know? The Brown Family reported losing thirty million dollars to the police - it was stolen by Emma."
A flash of triumph gleamed in Sophia's eyes before she quickly covered her mouth, pretending she'd said something wrong: "Don't talk about it anymore. Nina will be upset if she hears."