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“You need to eat twice as much as you usually eat,” she insists with an anxious look. “You look so anorexic, sweetie. Tell me the truth, Rory. Have you been sick?”
“I have...” Words fail me. How else can I explain such a drastic change in my weight and appearance without alarming her? Taking a deep breath, I fight to keep an even expression. “I told you I was on a diet,” I lie, hoping she’d believe me.
“You’re forbidden from going on a diet ever again!” she shouts, her eyes flashing with anger. Without warning, tears suddenly well in her eyes as she moves closer and cups my face with her hands. “You’re such a beautiful girl, sweetie. How could you let some man ruin you like this?”
I swallow the sudden choke in my throat. Even though Heather doesn’t know the truth, she’s still blaming the right person.
“I’m going to keep eating and gain back the weight I lost,” I say, forcing myself to smile.
“People are going to think we locked you in the basement and starved you for months!” she says, looking upset.
Again, she hits the nail on the head without knowing the truth.
“No one’s going to think that,” I say bracingly. “Just wait till you see the dress I’m wearing tonight. With the right makeup, I’ll look even more beautiful than before.”
“You’ll eat right before my eyes from now on. I don’t want you suffering from an eating disorder.”
“Oh, come on! You fed me two whole meals yesterday. Did I look like I was suffering from an ED?”
She hesitates. “No. You ate more servings than you usually do.”
“See? I’m perfectly fine. The only mistake I did was following a diet for too long.”
“Fine,” she says, looking relieved. “If that’s what you insist on, I’ll believe you.” Releasing a heavy sigh, she relents. “I’ll let you prepare for tonight’s event. Have you booked a salon yet?”
“Nah. Dad sprung this on me last night, so I didn’t get the chance to book a slot with them,” I say, showing my disappointment. “I wish he’d give me a break, you know?”
“He’ll be meeting some important sponsors for his green initiative for the town,” she says in a grim tone. “You must accompany him this evening to show your support.”
“He’s my dad,” I say with a defeated sigh. “Obviously, I support him.”
“People still need to see that. Besides, it’ll be good for you to go out and meet some new people,” Heather says, squeezing my shoulder. “Who knows? You might even meet someone you like.”
My mind automatically thinks of Seth. I suddenly remember him mentioning that he’d seen me at one of Dad’s events. What if his pack stations him at the party tonight?
Hope flares in my chest.
“You know what?” I say, looking at Heather. “It’s getting late and I need to do my hair and makeup. I’ll catch up with you when I’m ready.”
“Huh?” Heather looks surprised at my sudden interest in going to the party.
Before she can ask anything else, I usher her out of my room and close the door.
The prospect of seeing Seth sends a surge of excitement through me.
Moving toward the walk-in closet, I open the doors.
Rows of luxurious dresses as well as shelves of accessories, bags, and jewelry greet me. They usually brought me so much happiness but today, the sight sends a deep pang through me.
My collection of designer labels used to bring me a lot of pride and joy. I was a spoiled omega who loved hoarding the prettiest things for myself. Dad never said no to any of my demands, always being generous with both his money and affection.
Now, though, I’m ready to give them all up in exchange for the past three months. I’d do anything to erase the memories of my time in those hellish underground bunkers.
Swallowing a choke in my throat, I sift through the dresses hanging before me. My hand finally stops at a maroon gown with long sleeves and a flared skirt.
Bringing out the gown, I hold it up. There are tiny sequins sewn on the skirt that shimmer with every movement. The closed-up neckline also works in my favor. It’s the perfect dress to conceal my bony body.
The next few hours fly by as I battle my gaunt appearance. There’s only so much makeup can do to hide the abuse I suffered.
