She laughs, but there’s tears filling her eyes. “No. I did. I told him that I didn’t want to be with him anymore. Watching you fall in love made me realize I was settling. I don’t want to settle for anything or anyone. It’s better to be free.”
A mixture of hope, bittersweet happiness, and love fills me, and I launch myself into her arms. We cling to each other until her tears stop. “I can’t wait to watch you fall in love, Ash. It will be epic.”
The final ceremonyis finally here. The last three days have been a mixture of torture and anticipation. And seeing Chad stroll into the dressing room after not seeing him for a week brings a smile to my lips.
“Lilah, I hope you didn’t miss me too much,” he says as he approaches.
I hold my fingers an inch apart. “Maybe a tiny bit.”
He scoffs and flips his hair, a smile pulling at his pouty lips. “I’m sure it was way more than that.”
I shrug, and his grin widens, obviously taking my action as proof of his words.
“How did your date go?” he asks, leaning against the counter and watching my face for any emotion.
“Good. How was yours?”
“As expected,” he replies.
I shift as Greta comes back into the room with another girl and spins my chair in their direction. “That sounds cryptic,” I say, and Chad laughs as our conversation is cut short.
“This is Veronica. She’s going to do your hair while I do your makeup.”
“I’ve been doing my makeup the whole time,” I say.
She waves her hand in the air. “This is different, you want to shine for all the world to see.” Chad chuckles, and she points at him over my shoulder. “You’re next.”
“You can’t make perfection better than it already is,” he replies, earning a playful glare from Greta.
She turns back to Veronica. “Can you get the dress?”
Once Veronica’s back, they have me in the dress like I’m a doll and my only purpose is for them to dress me up.
I stand nervously in front of the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the woman staring back at me. For weeks, my wardrobe on the show has been a gentle symphony of pastels and soft hues, enhancing the idea that I’m America’s sweetheart. But tonight is different. Tonight’s the final ceremony, and I have to step out of my comfort zone and into the unknown.
"Hold still, Lilah. You're going to look amazing," Greta says, her fingers working deftly with a makeup brush.
Veronica fusses around me, adding finishing touches to my hair. "Trust us, this is exactly what you need."
Curls lay lightly over my bare shoulders. The tip of Rafe’s mark is barely visible just below my collarbone. And with a knowing look from Greta and a quick pass of her brush, it barely looks like anything more than a birthmark. Not that I feel the need to cover it up.
My fingers graze the fabric of the dress—a deep, velvety red that clings to my curves and flares gracefully at the hem.It’s bold, daring, and completely unlike anything I have ever worn. The color makes my pale skin glow and brings out the flecks of green in my blue eyes.
Chad lounges in the corner, watching the transformation with a smirk. "Well, if this doesn't get their attention, nothing will," he quips, his tone both supportive and teasing. I roll my eyes.
Greta steps back to admire her handiwork. "Now, for the makeup," she says, opening a sleek, black case filled with an array of colors that seem too vibrant, too intense. I swallow hard, my nerves threatening to unravel my resolve.
I can do this. One final step to the rest of my life.
"Relax, Lilah. You're going to look stunning," Greta assures me, her hands steady as she begins to apply the makeup. A flawless base first, then a touch of contour to define my cheekbones. Highlighter dusted over my cheeks, brow bones, and the bridge of my nose makes my skin look ethereal.
I watch in awe as Greta works, transforming me with deft, practiced strokes. Rich, emerald eyeshadow is blended artfully across my lids, making my eyes pop. A sharp, precise wing of black eyeliner adds drama and sophistication. Volumizing mascara makes my lashes look impossibly long and lush.
Chad leans forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Don't forget the lips. That's where the magic happens."
Greta carefully applies a bold, red lipstick, the color of passion and confidence. My lips feel unfamiliar, the vibrant hue both thrilling and intimidating.
"There," Greta says, stepping back and giving a satisfied nod. "Take a look."
