Chapter 72
When a man truly fell for a woman, he went all in. But when he decided to cut ties, he could be just as absolute.
Tunderstand. Come on out, Seraphina said.
Just a sec!” Barbara replied, her voice tinged with excitement. “You won’t believe how much I’ve changed in just a few days. Prepare to be amazed
“What, did you get plastic surgery or something? Seraphina joked.
“Something like that,” Barbara said with a laugh.
When they met face to face, Seraphina finally understood what Barbara meant by ‘something like that“.
In just a few days, Barbara had slimmed down noticeably. Her once–round face had even started to look a bit more angular.
“Well What do you think?” Barbara twirled in front of Seraphina, showing off her long dress. Tve lost about six pounds. Pretty effective, right? People say losing five pounds is like getting a mini makeover. Does this count as my own version of plastic surgery?”
Seraphina was used to Barbara’s round face, so her newly emerging chin looked almost strange.
To be honest. Barbara did look prettier after losing a few pounds. Her face, now less fleshy, made her bright eyes appear bigger and more expressive..
But Barbara was a foodie, someone who’d rather be plump than slim. Dropping several pounds in less than ten days was of character. Seraphina couldn’t help but wonder what could have triggered this. “Who upset you?” she asked.
Barbara was speechless. “As if anyone could upset me,” she pouted. I was already pretty cute before. I just decided to slim down a bit, aiming to level up my looks.
out
“When I was chubby, I didn’t think much of it. But now that I’ve lost six or seven pounds, my pants are loose, and that sense of achievement is pushing me to transform even more,
“Losing weight really makes clothes look so much better. Don’t you think I have a more goddess vibe now?” Barbara smoothed her dress. “I never dared to wear long dresses like this before. Now it feels pretty good,”
“It does look great, Seraphina smiled. “But I still don’t get why you wanted to lose weight. Are you looking for love?” Barbara laughed heartily, with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Let’s just say I’m doing it to please myself.”
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Come on, Harb. Since when do you keep secrets from your bestie?” Barbara shook her head quickly. “If I really had a boyfriend, you’d be the first one I’d brag to. I’m losing weight to become the best version of myself. That way, I’ll attract higher quality guys, don’t you think?”
Seraphina found herself at a loss. She knew it was a superficial viewpoint, but it was true that most men cared about looks. If she hadn’t been attractive, she knew Clarence wouldn’t have given her a second glance. That was just how the world worked – appearances mattered, plain and simple,
So, you’re planning to lose more weight? Seraphina asked.
“Of course” Barbara nodded confidently. “For my height, I’ll be perfect at 95 pounds. I’ve got another 20 pounds to go. It’ll be tough, bant I’m all in”
Seraphina was stunned. For a foodie like Barbara, this level of sell–control seemed like a monumental challenge. “Well, good luck.” She patted her friend’s shoulder. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Whatever the reason, she thought, women should
1/3
|||
14:36 Thu, Oct 31
Chapter 72
32%2
always strive to mmprove themselves.
Seraphina Lendured a battery of tests at the hospital before proceeding with the contraceptive procedure. With the doctor’s final instructions still ringing in her ears, she leaned on Barbara as they made their way outside.
The sun beat down mercilessly as Barbara unfurled an umbrella, shielding Seraphina from its glare. There was an inexplicable heaviness in the air.
Barbara pulled Seraphina close. “Honey, it’s okay. When you’re ready for kids, we’ll just remove the IUD and give your body some time to adjust. It’s not permanent, alright?”
Seraphina managed a weak smile. Even though it wasn’t sterilization, there was still a dull ache in her heart.
“No matter what happens. I’ll always be by your side. You can count on me,” Barbara said, hugging Seraphina tightly.
Seraphina let out a small laugh. “Yeah? Wait until you lose another 15 pounds. You’ll be so skinny a gust of wind could blow you away. How are you going to protect me then?”
I may be losing weight, but you’ll always be my ride–or–die, Barbara replied with a warm smile.
Seraphina shot her bestie a playful look. “With that silver tongue, it’s a crime you’re not out there working your magic on all
the hotties
Barbara said. “Well, the one I want isn’t interested.”
“What was that?” Seraphina quirked an eyebrow
“Oh nothing. Barbara quickly recovered with a bright smile. “Once I’ve had my glow–up, I’ll have my pick of the guys, won’t
1
“Easy there, tiger. Just don’t get overwhelmed by all the options, Seraphina teased,
“Oh, I plan to live it up. Barbara joked with a mischievous grin.
Seraphina knew her friend was just kidding around and didn’t pursue the topic. “I should head home now,”
“Sure, I’ll walk you to the taxi stand, Barbara said, putting an arm around her friend as they strolled. “You just had surgery. after all. Make sure you get plenty of rest at home. Do you remember everything the doctor said?”
She continued, her tone turning more serious, “Remember, no sex with Mr. Vanderbilt for at least a week. Your body is your own, and you need to take care of it. Self–love is the key to earning a man’s love.”
“Jeez, Mom Harbara. I get it, Seraphina said, cutting off Barbaras tendency to ramble.
As luck would have it, Clarence was going on a week–long business trip. Seraphina had been planning to fake an illness, but that excuse was no longer needed.
Jennifer, back from her trip to Aurelian, invited Seraphina to join her at the gym. After not seeing each other for nearly two werks, they worked out together and then grabbed lunch
They sat by the window in a private restaurant, chatting as they waited for their food.
“Wasn’t it supposed to be a ten-day trip? Feels like you’ve been gone for half a month,” Seraphina remarked.
Jennifer shrugged lightly. There was a small hiccup with the overseas company. It held us up for a few days.”
“Did you sort it out? Seraphina raised an eyebrow
Jennifer nodded. “Yeah, it’s all taken care of now. Oh, I brought you a gift,” she said, opening her handbag. She pulled out an
23
exquisite box that emitted a subtle fragrance, clearly containing something special.
Jennifer opened the box to reveal two necklaces nestled side by side. One pendant was shaped like a star, the other lik moon. “What a beautiful star and moon set. Seraphina admired
“I know, right? The moment I saw them. I thought of you,” Jennifer explained. “For some reason, I just had to buy them give you one. The star and moon, inseparable, shining together–neither complete without the other. Isn’t that just like
sisterhood?”
Jennifer gently placed the box in front of Seraphina. “Sera, you choose first
Jennifer’s words touched Seraphina deeply. After a moment’s thought, she took the moon necklace and said. “Star and Moon… Since Star‘ comes first, you should keep the star
She continued, her voice soft with emotion. “You’re the big sis, after all. The real star. With your talent, I bet you’ll outsh the whole night sky someday.
“Alright Jennifer replied warmly. “And may you always be as gentle and unique as the moon. She took out her own necklace and fastened it around her neck. “I promise to be like a star, forever watching over and protecting you, my beautiful m
