And like little minions, they approached me. One that placed the dress on my body. “This doesn’t match your eye color.”
Another came close, her excessive fragrance stinging my nose. “This lipstick is perfect.”
After a while, I stood before the full-length mirror, dressed in a full-length body-hugging red gown that exposed my back. My face was covered in subtle but beautiful makeup and on my neck rested a diamond necklace.
I could barely recognize the lady in the mirror. Something felt wrong, like I wasn’t deserving of this.
My hands trailed the necklace, my eyes still fixed on my reflection in the mirror. “I can’t wear this,” I said, “it’s too expensive.”
The woman shot me a glacial look. “Why do poor people pray for luxury and when they get it, they toss it.” She snorted and brought out a perfume. Spraying it on me, she continued. “Mr. Adiaga can’t be seen having dinner with an impoverished-looking woman. He is not doing this for you, but for his reputation.”