That was the moment my patience snapped. I stood up slowly.
Christina frowned slightly. “What are you doing?”
Instead of answering, I walked toward the large mirror across the room. I slowly turned in front of it, doing a full 360-degree spin. Then I faced her again.
“What part of me,” I asked calmly, “looks like I have trouble keeping a man?”
Christina gasped softly, her eyes widening. “Evania—”
“Call me Mrs. Sterling,” I continued. “You’ve spent two days pointing out my supposed flaws. Let’s talk about them.”
She shifted uncomfortably. “That’s not what I—”
“You've made very insulting comments on my body. What about it bothers you so much?”
I placed my hands on my hips. “Is it my hips?”
Christina flushed slightly.
“You implied my hair was unacceptable.”
I fluffed my curls. “Are you seeing these curls?”
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
“And you seem deeply concerned about my ability to keep my husband.” I stepped closer. “That’s the most fascinating part about this whole thing.”
Her posture stiffened. “Why is that so fascinating?”
“Because the only person in this room who seems obsessed with his attention… is you.”
Her face went pale. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?”
I tilted my head, studying her the same way she had been studying me for two days.
“Since we’re giving helpful feedback,” I said lightly, “can I offer some of my own?”
She looked offended. “I don’t need—”
“Oh, I insist.”
Her lips tightened, but I ignored her. “For someone who critiques bodies professionally, you really should consider your posture. That tension in your shoulders is creating harsh lines.”
That only seemed to make her stiffen her shoulders further.
“And the dress,” I continued thoughtfully. “It’s elegant, but it’s doing absolutely nothing for your waist.”
Her eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“I’m helping,” I said sweetly. “Isn’t that what you’ve been doing?”
Her cheeks turned red. “I was being constructive.”
“So am I.”
I slowly circled her chair, inspecting her the way she had inspected me. “You might also want to reconsider that shade of lipstick. It’s drawing attention to the lines around your mouth.”
