Feigned Beauty
No way! Are you seriousyou two actually broke up? I don’t believe it! Mary stared at her friend with such astonishment that he felt noticeably uncomfortable. Her eyes were wide as saucers, brows raised almost to her hairline, lips parted in shockit was news so contrary to what she expected. But you adored Eve! I always used you two as a gold standard I even dreamt of a relationship like yours!
Its true, Mary, it really is The young man, Mark, cast a gloomy glance out the window. The English weather was in full swingcold rain lashed against the glass, streaming down in little rivulets and breaking apart into thousands of droplets. That grey scene outside perfectly mirrored his mood. Mark was hollow. The ache from the end of a five-year relationship painted his world in dull shades. He felt as if a cavity had opened in his chest, the same place where warm glances, gentle embraces, and shared future dreams once lived. He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles blanched, his voice quivering as he finished, Its over. Do you understand? Over.
But why? Mary leaned in, searching his face anxiously. Eve waited for you all those months while you were working away! She was nothing if not loyalnever tempted by all those free drinks and flirty comments!
And how would you know that? You dont even live in London, Mark replied with a sad twist to his mouth. Is that just a bit of girl solidarity?
Yes, Im a couple hundred miles from your sweetheart, but you forget, she retorted, undaunted, reclining in her chair, plaiting her arms with a wry smile that didnt quite reach her worried eyes, I have plenty of friends in London who keep an eye out. I heard about the effort she put into her appearance recently, though not all the details. She changed her hair, hit the gym, updated her wardrobe. All while you were gone. She really tried hard, Mark.
Exactly! Thats why we fell apart! Mark strode out to the hallway, where his mobile was stuffed in his coat. His movements were sharp and restless, as if he could outrun his own mind. He rummaged, finally retrieved his smartphone and rushed back. He needed only one photo for Mary to understand the scope of the situation. Do you remember how Eve looked before I left?
Of course I do, Mary said, rolling her eyes, though her voice wavered. She paused, as though conjuring up the image. A sweet girl. Long, straight, golden-blond hair down her back, big blue eyes, that lovely pert nose Nice figure, if just a little small on topnot that you ever seemed bothered.
Precisely! I loved her as she was! Marks voice lifted in frustration but quickly dropped to a hoarse murmur. He gripped his phone and looked away, hardening his gaze. She was my ideal. I truly loved her, exactly as she was. But as soon as I left, her mates filled her head with nonsensethat Id lose interest unless she changed. And she she believed them! She started changingnot for herself, but because they convinced her otherwise.
Is it really so bad? Marys apprehension grew. She gripped the armrest, her brows furrowing, struggling to imagine the extent of this transformation.
See for yourself! Mark thrust the phone toward her, almost shoving the screen under her nose. On it, Eve appearednot the girl Mary remembered.
Gone were the thick tresses Eve once flaunted, now brutally chopped short and dyed a harsh platinum blonde. Where softness used to frame her, sharp lines now took overneck and ears exposed, it all looked severe, so uncharacteristic for the gentle Eve. Her lips screamed of cosmetic intervention, overfilled and out of proportion with her delicate features.
She had dropped perhaps two stone, but the result wasnt the elegance shed likely sought but a frailness. Her collarbones jutted out, ribs visible beneath pallid skin, arms too thin to seem strong. Dark circles hid beneath her eyes, shadows betraying exhaustion. Worst of all, to Marks mind, shed even surgically augmented her chestsomething hed always made clear he couldnt understand, valuing her natural beauty far more.
I saw her at the airport, all changed, and all I could think wasshould I just walk by and pretend I dont know her? Marks voice trembled with emotion. He spun, punching the wall, quickly gasping at the sting, shaking his aching hand. How can someone do this to themselves in just half a year? Why didnt she realise I loved her exactly as she was, no need for all this?
He paced the room, too agitated to keep still, hands gesturing wildly before freezing, then suddenly striding, like an animal caged. His cheeks flushed, then paled with distress. He scrubbed his face with his hands, as if trying to erase the image that haunted him.
Mary, more than anyone, understood. Shed been his confidante through months of daily calls complaining about the boss whod sent him to Leeds for half a year. Mark hadnt wanted to leave Eve alone; hed worried, but couldnt bring hershe had finals and responsibilities, and his job demanded his constant presence. Every evening, he phoned Eve, said how much he missed her, tried to support her from afar. But upon returning, he felt as if hed come home to a stranger.
Mark, maybe she just wanted to make you proud? Mary ventured gently, standing and moving closer. Maybe someone convinced her you’d like these changes
He managed a bitter smile and shook his head. To please me? But she lost herself. I loved who she really was, but now I dont even know whos in front of me.
His anxiety was made worse because Eve always avoided video calls. Mark had suggested them many times, but she always demurredsmiling mysteriously, promising an incredible surprise. Though sweet in tone, it only left Mark uneasy. Did she already have someone else, just putting off the inevitable? It gnawed at him constantly.
Eventually, he asked a mate in London to do some quiet investigating, to check in with their circle and report back.
Two days later, the mate phoned.
Shes definitely got a surprise planned, came the hesitant report. But Im not sure youll like it, mate. But she hasnt anyone else, thats for sure. She talks about you all the time, asks when youll be back.
This did calm Markit soothed him to hear she wasnt seeing anyone else. He felt a slight smile, running a hand through his hair. Maybe there wasnt need to worryperhaps things werent as dire as they seemed. At least Eve was waiting faithfully.
Now he regretted refusing the photo his mate offered. If hed seen what Eve was planning, maybe hed have stopped her, dropped everything and sped to Londoneven had a word with those friends who filled Eves head with insecurities. But now it was too late.
On the day of his return, Mark was a nervous wreck. He checked the time every five minutes, fiddled with his coat in the cab to Heathrow, heart thudding so hard he thought it might jump from his chest. He imagined their reunion: spotting her in Arrivals, her open smile, her hairs familiar scent, the comfort of shared tea and stories, laughter over what theyd both gone through.
But reality was crueler. When he saw Eve waiting, he stopped dead. The girl before him was transformed almost beyond recognitionhe almost wondered if hed misidentified her. He blinked, disoriented, a cold dread chilling his insides.
Mark! I’ve missed you so much! Eve rushed to embrace him, arms wide. Mark took a step back, refusing her hug. Her smile faltered, confusion and pain flashed in her eyes. She hesitated, searching his face.
Whats wrong? Its me! Or was my surprise that much of a shock? Her voice was hopeful, but nervous, her hand nervously tidying her hair.
I just dont recognise you anymore, Mark replied distantly, forcing down his emotions. His voice sounded flat. He wanted to yell, weep, but the bustling public around them restrained him. He drew back further. Are you ill? Or just not yourself? Wheres your beautiful hair? Your lovely figure? You always looked so natural
You mean I was fat, don’t you? Eve retorted, lower lip trembling, tears glistening in her eyes. She balled her hands, relaxed them, and drew a shaky breath. Her friends, hovered behind her for moral support, tittered quietlymaking things infinitely worse for Eve. She flashed them an angry look, but they ignored it.
Well, you dont have to spare my feelings, Eve said, her voice trembling despite her effort to be brave. I know I let myself go but now you can walk next to me with pride, right? Look at metrendy, stylish. Isnt that better?
Who said I want to walk anywhere with you? Marks voice turned harder. He shook his head, unableand unwillingto hide his disappointment. Youve gone from being my beautiful girlfriend to I dont even know! I loved you for you. Couldnt you have at least asked me what I wanted?
Oh, Mark, come on! Eve could be on the cover of Vogue these days! one of her friends cut in, stepping forward with a broad grin, squeezing Eves shoulder like a prize. Youve no idea how many blokes chat her up nowespecially after her updates! She grinned at Eves new chest, winking as if this explained everything. You should be happy! She did it all for you!
Mark rounded on her, face contorted with irritation. Not for me. For herself. Or, rather, for your approval! He fixed Eve with a glare burning with both anger and hurt. Dont make me the villain of this mess!
He stepped closer to Eve, his voice dropping, heavy with sorrowMary felt a pang deep in her heart.
Eve, you always knew how I felt about all this. I always valued your natural beauty. What youve done I just cant love that. You were gorgeous as you were. Now, it all just feels fake, and I dont even know you.
He paused, raking a hand through his hair, quieter but firm, I spent the past month picturing the moment Id come back and propose. I even bought a ring. I wanted us to have a life together. But now Im sorry, I cant live with a stranger.
Eve went pale. Tears streamed down her face as she tried to speak, but nothing came. Her hands dropped by her sides. She reached out, as if hoping to stop Mark, desperate to undo everything.
Mark, pleasewait! she finally managed, voice choked. I never meant to I thought it would be better for us! I wanted you to be proud of me
But Mark had already turned, walking away as quickly as he could, not looking back. He was awash with disappointment. It hurt so muchnothing was as hed dreamed.
Eve cried out after him, but her friends held her as she sobbed.
Let him go! said one loudly, hugging Eves shoulders. Hes just shocked. Hell calm down and be apologising soon.
Exactly, the other added with the wisdom of self-satisfaction. Hell be crawling back. Hold your head highyou’re stunning now! Youll find someone far better.
Eve listened but it barely registered. She watched Mark disappear, tears smudging her mascara, an emptiness settling inside her. Shed tried to become more, but lost what mattered all along
I really was going to marry her, Mark finished, his voice cracked with grief. He buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking as he fought tears. I pictured every detailher smile, the embrace, the laughter But now seeing her like that It broke me. I didnt even recognise her.
He paused, sighing heavily, staring off into the distance. Why do women always doubt their own beauty? I paid Eve a compliment every day, told her she was lovely. I loved her for who she really wasfor her smile, her ways, all the quirks that make a person unique. She just erased it all, as if she needed to become someone else.
He drew in a shaky breath, knuckles whitening as he clenched his hands again, tears in his eyes. What stings most is that her so-called friend egged her ondeliberately. Im convinced she pushed us apart.
Why would she do that? Mary leaned closer, feeling a surge of sympathy. Shed never seen Mark so defeated. He whod always been confident and upbeat now seemed drained of life. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
She told me herselfshowed up at my flat, bold as brass, claiming she was so much better than Eve, that her own good looks were real, none of these tricks. Honestly, I nearly threw her out then and there! Mark punched the arm of his chair, then wiped his face, struggling for composure.
He exhaled, raking his fingers through his hair, staring into space, as if reliving the ugliness of that conversation.
And the foul part is, he continued more quietly, she probably thought Id fall for her on the spot. That just saying so would wipe out all that Eve and I had. But Im not like that. I loved Eve. It hurts me that she let someone have so much influence over her.
Mary said nothing, not wanting to interrupt. She could see how much the words cost him; how hard it was for Mark to accept that something so real could collapse from insecurity and manipulation. She wished she could comfort him, but words seemed insufficient.
So what now? Did you try to talk to Eve? Things can still be mended, if you want to. Mary lightly squeezed his shoulder, her voice gentle with genuine concern.
She likes her new look and wont change anything, Mark replied sadly, no hint of joy left in his voice, only pain. He wiped his face as if to clear away the weight of it all. She rang me up and tried to guilt mesaid I had no right to break it off after she waited all those months for me! He slumped onto the sofa, hunched as though crushed by a hidden load, elbows on knees, fists pressed to his brow. I love her. I really do! But shes gone The Eve I loved has disappeared, replaced by someone artificial.
Mary silently reached out and squeezed his hand. In her gesture lay such warmth and empathy that, briefly, Mark felt a little lighternot because of empty platitudes, but simply because she was there.
She saw the tremor in his fingers, the strain in his posture, the way he wrestled his feelings, on the verge of tears.
You know, he managed quietly, his gaze far away, once we were walking through Hyde Park in the autumn. Leaves swirling all around, and she laughed, her hood kept slipping and Id fix it. She said, Mark, I want it to be like this forever. I promised her it would. I truly believed it
His voice failed, he paused, fighting the tears pressing forward. Mary felt her own throat tighten with sorrow. It was so hard to see her friend suffer.
And now? Mark went on, voice cracked by grief, looking up at Mary, an ocean of despair in his eyes. Now she looks in the mirror and thinks herself beautiful. But I look, and I dont even know her. How did it all come to this in just six months? Why didnt we talk sooner, ask what each of us wanted?
Finally, he gave inweeping softly, first as a lost child, not as an adult. Shoulders shaking, breath stuttered, his hands opening and closing rhythmically.
Mary slid closer, gently wrapped her arm around him, drawing him in.
Mark, she murmured, steady though her own tears threatened, this isnt your fault. You loved her, treasured her, did your best This isnt on you. Maybe its someones foolishness, maybe envy, butits not your sin. Please dont carry that guilt.
Mark slowly lifted his eyesred rimmed, swollen, deeply pained. He looked bewildered, as if still doubting this was really happening.
But what if Im wrong? he whispered. Maybe I shouldnt have pushed her awaymaybe she simply feared Id stop loving her. Perhaps someone convinced her she wasnt good enough for me. Maybe she wanted to make me happy, and I just broke everything with my disappointment.
There was a tug of war in his gazebetween hurt and love, loss and hope. He still clung to the notion that, somewhere deep down, his old Eve remainedthe one who loved hot chocolate in the morning, who drew silly faces on steamed-up windows, who laughed at his awful jokes, who always cheered him up.
Mary tightened her hold, meeting his eyes.
You are allowed to feel how you feeland have your own boundaries, she told him firmly. Dont force yourself to accept what feels untrue to you. But if you truly wish to trymaybe give her a chance to explain? Not for her, but for what you both had. For the love still alive in you. Talk to her. Really talk. Let her tell you how she felt, why she changed. And tell her what youve gone through.
Mark drew a deep breath, wiped his cheeks, and looked out the window. At last, the rain had stopped. Sunsets first rays pushed through the clouds, bathing the sky in warm pink and golden hues. He watched, as if hoping the light held a sign.
Maybe youre right, he said softly. But for now I need time. Time to understand all this. To figure out where I stand. I cant just forget everything, but I dont want to lose what we had, not if theres still hope.
Sometimes, we try so hard to change for others that we lose sight of ourselvesand what truly matters. Love cant be built on insecurities; it must grow from honesty and trust, embracing one another as we truly are. Ultimately, the courage to be realnot perfectbrings the truest happiness.
