THE BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS' COMEBACK

“Clara, are you sure you're skipping the party?” Lily asked for the third time as we cleaned our table. We had just finished lunch, and since we no longer had to take part in the afternoon practice, we spent our free time in the book club and ate here instead of the crowded cafeteria. Our club, however, wasn’t known for its love of literature. Instead, it was labeled the "nerd club" by the rest of the university—mostly because it consisted of students like Lily and me, those considered unpopular due to our looks and status rather than those who genuinely enjoyed books. And tonight, our club planned to have a book party at the club president’s house since our college life was ending soon. It was supposed to be a fun gathering, a rare moment where we didn’t feel out of place. But today, I had something more important. “No, I have to pass,” I replied. “You know it’s mine and Tyler’s third anniversary today.” “Wow! Three years already? It feels like just yesterday when the hot ace baseball player of our university confessed to you in front of everyone!” I smiled shyly. “I didn’t expect us to make it this far either, we're not just celebrating an anniversary, but our third.” “Right. I still remember how Tyler literally fought his way just to woo you when you kept rejecting him.” “Well, you know why I kept rejecting him before.” I looked down, hesitating for a moment. I was fat, ugly, and completely invisible to most people on campus. At least, that’s how I saw myself. While other girls had perfect hair, flawless skin, and figures that turned heads, I had thick glasses, acne scars, and a body that never fit into the trendy outfits everyone else wore. I wasn’t the type of girl someone like Tyler Mercadejas—the golden boy of our university, the ace of the baseball team—was supposed to fall for. But somehow, he did. And that terrified me. “Yeah, I know,” Lily said softly, as if reading my mind. She, too, had experienced the sting of judgment. With her frail body and freckles dusting her cheeks, she had been an easy target for teasing. We had both learned to keep our heads down. “But Tyler never saw you the way you saw yourself,” she continued. I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “I still don’t get it sometimes.” “You should,” she nudged my shoulder. “Because out of everyone here, Tyler Mercadejas only ever had eyes for you.” I bit my lip, warmth creeping up my cheeks. No matter how many times he told me I was beautiful, I still struggled to believe it. But today, on our third anniversary, maybe—just maybe—I could try to be one for him. That’s why I had booked a makeover at the salon. Lily’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “So, what did you get Tyler for your anniversary?” I hesitated for a moment before answering, twirling a loose thread on my sleeve. “Well… I saved up all the money I got from working part-time at the convenience store and from tutoring, so I bought him the watch he wanted.” She tilted her head. “Wait, what watch?” I swallowed before admitting, “A Rolex.” “WHAT?!” Lily practically shrieked, making a few heads turn in our direction. “Damn, that’s expensive,” she said, lowering her voice but still staring at me in disbelief. I shrugged. “I know, but….I really think he deserves it. He’s worked so hard, and I know how much he’s wanted to own a Rolex. It’s not just a watch for him—it’s something he’s dreamed about for years.” Lily stared at me for a long moment before shaking her head with a laugh. “You’re crazy, you know that? Most girlfriends would settle for a hoodie or a keychain, and here you are, buying a luxury watch.” I smiled, twirling my fingers together. “Maybe. But he’s given me so much, Lily. He never once made me feel like I was less. This is just my way of showing him that I appreciate him, too.” Lily’s expression softened. “You really love him, huh?” I nodded, feeling my heart swell. “Yeah, I do.” She grinned. “Then I guess it’s worth it. Just don’t expect him to outdo you with his gift unless he’s getting you a car or something.” I laughed, shaking my head. “That’s not why I’m doing this.” And it wasn’t. Because for once, I wanted to give Tyler something that would remind him of how much he meant to me—just like he always did for me. Saving everything I had for this one gift felt right. Lily leaned in, her curiosity not yet satisfied. “So, are you waiting for Tyler here? Is that why you didn’t go home yet?” I shook my head. “No. I booked a salon appointment for one o’clock. It’s nearby.” Her eyes widened. “Wait. You're getting a makeover?” I chuckled at her reaction. “Yeah. I figured I want to do something different today. It’s our third anniversary, after all.” Lily grinned. “Wow, Clara. First a Rolex, now a makeover? Tyler’s going to be speechless.” I felt a small flutter in my chest at the thought. Would he really notice? Would he think I looked….beautiful? Throughout our relationship, I had never really considered doing something like this. But the other night, Tyler called me and told me he had reserved a table at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. It was the first time we were going somewhere this fancy—on our anniversary, no less. Before, we always celebrated our anniversaries and birthdays at my apartment or his place. Sometimes, he would take me out to watch a movie or grab a late-night snack, but it was never anything extravagant. That’s why, when he told me about the dinner reservation, I was completely shocked—but at the same time, excited. I could tell Tyler had put a lot of thought into this. And I didn’t want to embarrass him by showing up unprepared, wearing just a sweater and jeans like it was any other day on our anniversary and especially not in a fancy restaurant! “I mean, can you imagine?” I sighed, playing with the hem of my shirt. “Me, walking into that place looking like I just rolled out of bed? Tyler’s out here making an effort, and the least I can do is try to match that.” Lily smirked. “So, you’re saying this makeover isn’t just for him, but for you, too?” I hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah….I guess so. I want to feel confident for once. I want to look in the mirror and actually like what I see.” Lily’s expression softened. “You should, Clara. You deserve to feel beautiful.” I swallowed past the lump in my throat, her words striking something deep inside me. “So….what are you planning to wear?” she asked, changing the subject. I smiled. “A dress.” Her jaw dropped. “No way. You? In a dress?” I laughed at her exaggerated reaction. “Hey! I can wear a dress if I want to!” “I know, I know, but you never do! This is, like, a historic moment.” She wiped an imaginary tear from her eye. “My best friend is finally embracing her inner goddess.” “Okay, now you’re just being dramatic,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Maybe.” She wiggled her brows. “But I’m also right. Just wait—Tyler’s gonna lose his mind when he sees you.” I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling inside me. Would he really? Lily leaned closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “And what if he gets so overwhelmed by your beauty that he proposes?” I nearly choked. “Lily!” “What? Three years is a long time! Who knows? Maybe tonight is the night.” I shook my head, laughing despite myself. “You’ve been reading too many romance novels.” She grinned. “And you’ve been living one.” I blushed, but before I could respond, the clock on my wrist caught my eye. My appointment was in ten minutes. “I have to go,” I said as soon as we are already at the school gate “Wish me luck?” Lily beamed. “You don’t need luck, Clara. Just go and knock him dead.” I smiled, feeling a little lighter. As we reached the school gate, I adjusted the strap of my bag and took a deep breath. I waved goodbye to Lily and hurried toward the salon where I had made my reservation yesterday. When I arrived, I was relieved to see that it wasn’t too crowded. A few customers were scattered around—some getting their hair styled, others having their nails done but it wasn’t overwhelming. A receptionist, a woman in her mid-thirties with curly brown hair and a friendly smile, looked up as I stepped inside. “Good afternoon! How can I help you?” she asked. I shifted my weight nervously, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Um…..I have a reservation under Clara Montemayor?” The woman’s eyes flicked to her computer screen as she typed in my name. After a moment, she nodded and smiled. “Ah, yes! You booked the full makeover package.” I swallowed, suddenly feeling both excited and terrified. “That’s right.” She gestured toward the plush chairs in the waiting area. “Great! One of our stylists will be with you shortly. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable.” I nodded, clutching my bag as I sat down. My heart was pounding. This was really happening! I couldn’t believe I was doing something like this! I had never been the type to fuss over my looks, let alone book a full makeover. But tonight was different. It wasn’t just any date; it was our third anniversary. And for the first time, I wanted to see myself the way Tyler saw me—wanted to believe, even just for one night, that I could be beautiful. The thought made my stomach flutter with anticipation. Just then, a woman in her late twenties approached me with a warm smile. She had shoulder-length hair dyed a subtle auburn and wore a stylish black uniform. “Clara Montemayor?” she asked, checking the tablet in her hand. I straightened. “That’s me.” She extended a hand. “I’m Sophie, your stylist for today. Welcome! So, tell me—what kind of makeover are we going for?” I took a deep breath. “I….I have an anniversary dinner tonight. It’s at a fancy restaurant, and I want to look nice—something elegant but not too over-the-top. Just….something that would suit the occasion.” Sophie’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Got it. A soft glam look with a classy touch, then? I can already picture it! Let’s get started.” With that, she led me to a chair in front of a large mirror, where the transformation began. Hours passed in soft brushes, and the quiet hum of hairdryers. I sat still as Sophie worked her magic—trimming my hair, styling it into soft waves that framed my face, and applying a natural yet polished makeup look that made my features stand out in a way I’d never seen before. As she put the finishing touches on my lipstick, she took a step back and grinned. “And….done! Take a look.” I turned to the mirror, my breath hitching the moment I saw my reflection. I barely recognized myself. My usual dull, lifeless hair now shone in perfect waves. My face, often hidden behind thick glasses and acne scars, looked radiant with the soft makeup enhancing my features. My eyes appear bigger, my lips fuller, and for once, I didn’t feel so ugly with myself. My weight hasn't changed, and I still wasn’t the type of girl people turned heads for, but none of that mattered. Right now, I feel confident. I felt beautiful. A slow smile spread across my lips. “I love it,” I whispered, almost in disbelief. Sophie beamed. “You look stunning, Clara. Your date will lose his mind when he sees you.” I let out a soft laugh, warmth spreading through my chest. Tonight, for the first time, I wasn’t just going to be Tyler Mercadejas’ girlfriend. I was going to look like I belonged beside him. I thanked the stylist again after settling my bill. As soon as I stepped outside, my phone vibrated in my pocket. Reaching for it, I saw Tyler’s name on the screen. I didn’t know why, but just seeing his name made me smile as I opened his message. "I'm here at the restaurant. Where are you?" I quickly typed a reply: "I'm on my way." As I stepped outside the salon, I hailed a cab while my heart was pounding with anticipation. Sliding into the backseat, I hit send, excitement bubbling inside me. Tonight was going to be special—I could feel it!