There's Beautiful And Then There's You

PROLOGUE

PLUME’S legs were hurting. She and Rebeka have been walking around the mall for a couple of hours, finding the perfect shoes her bride-to-be friend would wear on the big day. But of course, they did more than just that. They went window shopping, checking out cool souvenir items for her guests, and eat.

“Can we go to the bookstore now?” Plume asked as they approached the escalator.

“Sure, but,” Rebeka stopped and caught her navel, “let me change my napkin first.” She smiled sheepishly at her. “I’ll make it quick. I promise.”

“Okay.”

Rebeka handed her shopping bags to Plume before dashing to the comfort room on the other side of the escalator. Plume drew a breath as she leaned on the glass wall of a well-known clothing brand. She put her bags on the floor and massaged her legs.

If it weren’t for Rebeka, she would never come out of her cave. She had gotten used to having all the things she needed and wanted to be delivered at her doorstep. But Rebeka was her sister from another mother. She would do anything for her.

Sometimes, Plume envied Rebeka for knowing what she wanted to do with her life and for being brave enough to go for it. Both of them did not have an easy childhood, but Rebeka viewed things differently.

Plume wondered if she would still want to settle down and trust her life with another person and use his name. The thought of giving up her freedom scared her the most. No, she could never imagine herself revolving her life around a man.

The times have changed, and she could not imagine giving up her career to be a full-time housewife. Plume frowned as she folded her arms across her chest. Unimaginable.

“Have you ever thought of changing your profile picture?” Rebeka asked as Plume watched her approach.

She shook her head unenthusiastically.

“Come on, you look good in that pose.” Rebeka pulled her phone from her pocket.

“I’m not in the mood for pictures today.”

“Please, Plume?”

Plume sighed and forced a smile. Rebeka took a couple of steps backward and stood beside the escalator.

“You look pretty, Plume!” Rebeka said with glee, waving her phone lightly.

“Of course. But my legs hurt.” She picked up the bags on the floor.

“You should have sat, then.”

“Where? On the floor?”

“Nope. On that model’s lap.”

Plume glanced at the wallpaper and jumped in shock as she realized the model’s posture.

He was sitting on a black chair in a white room; half of his body was in shadows. He was only wearing a navy blue fitted shirt and black boxers. Only half of his face was visible as he purposely looked away from the camera.

Plume stared at Rebeka, and they could not help giggling.

“He’s cute,” Rebeka remarked.

“Yeah. He’s just my type,” Plume played along. “But we have to go now. My book boyfriends are waiting for me.” She stepped into the escalator first.

“Plume, I think a blind date is still a thing these days.”

“I’ll just pretend you did not bring that up.”