Javier was already awake early in the morning. He got out of bed with a lightness in his body, moving as if he had wings. He was excited about what he had to do today, knowing deep down that it was because he would see the image of his deceased wife once more, in the form of Veronica.
As soon as he stepped out the door, he was greeted by Jordan. “Good morning, Javier. You look fresh today. Did you had a good sleep?” Jordan teased him.
Javier responded with a big smile, which made Jordan laugh. “I’m so stupid. I shouldn’t have asked that, since the answer is obvious. Anyway, the housemaids you asked me to get from the Black Moon Pack are here.”
Javier had instructed Jordan to hire some temporary housemaids from their pack because they needed help. They couldn’t return to the city until Veronica’s full makeover was complete. They needed to execute their plan carefully. Veronica still had a lot to learn, and this revenge they were pursuing was not something to be taken lightly.
He nodded. “Thanks, Jordan.”
“Breakfast is ready. I’ve also woken up Veronica. Let’s eat first. I know you have plans later,” Jordan said as he headed to the spacious dining area.
When they reached the dining area, Javier gasped loudly once more upon seeing his wife, Beatrice, seated at the dining table. His wife was truly stunning, like an ethereal goddess.
Jordan nudged him in the stomach. "You might end up kissing her by accident. Remember, she’s not Luna Beatrice. She’s Veronica."
Javier swallowed hard. Anyone who knew Beatrice wouldn't doubt for a second that Veronica wasn't her. Even though her surgery was still fresh, the details of her face were nearly identical to those of his spouse. It was a good thing Jordan reminded him, or he might have kissed her on impulse!
"O-Of course. What do you think, that I don’t know that?" he replied, trying to cover up the momentary lapse.
Jordan just gave him a mischievous grin and said nothing more. Javier knew that grin meant something deeper.
His legs were still shaking as he finally approached the dining table. The woman noticed their presence and her face lit up. "Oh, you’re here. Good morning," she said with a sweet smile.
His heart raced at that smile. He tried to calm himself down.
"f**k. What’s wrong with you, Javier? You’re acting worse than a teenager. That’s not your wife!" his subconscious mind scolded him.
"Good morning, Veronica," Jordan greeted.
"G-Good morning, Veronica. We have somewhere to go after breakfast, okay?" he stammered as he greeted her.
The woman nodded. "Yes, I'll get ready right after we eat."
He pulled out a chair for himself. "Good, let's eat. Where's Nick?"
"I'm here," Nick joined them at the dining table.
As they ate, Javier observed the woman closely. From every angle, she really did look like his late wife. But he knew deep down that wasn’t enough. There was a significant difference in how she moved compared to Beatrice. Take now, for instance, as she ate.
Veronica ate heartily and without pretense, which was fine with him—he disliked women who wasted food. But the elegance Beatrice possessed was missing. If they were alone, he wouldn’t mind if she devoured everything on the table.
But during important events and occasions, where wealthy businessmen and prominent figures in society were present, people might doubt whether she was truly Beatrice.
Beatrice was all about finesse. She might not even finish a single plate. Veronica would need to change many of her habits and mannerisms if she truly wanted to succeed in convincing the devil, Angelo Fuentebella.
The atmosphere at the table was lively as they ate breakfast. Veronica, Jordan, and Nick engaged in conversation, while Javier was lost in thought.
They all finished eating around the same time. The woman looked at him. "I'll just change my clothes. I’ll be quick," she said.
He nodded. "Same here. I'll wait for you in the living area."
Veronica hurried back to her room, quickly opening the wardrobe to find something suitable to wear outside. She found a white dress that fell just above her knees.
She grimaced as she realized that almost everything she wore was borrowed from Beatrice Romanov. Feeling a bit silly, she bowed in front of the closet. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Beatrice. At first, I only borrowed your clothes. Now, I’ve even taken your face. I never wanted this to happen, and I hope you can understand. I just want justice, and I can't get it unless we do this. I promise to take care of and respect your face. Thank you so much…" she solemnly whispered.
She put on the dress and slipped into a pair of sandals that she was sure also belonged to Beatrice. Fortunately, their shoe sizes were close enough, so it fit just fine.
When she returned to the living area, she saw Javier already waiting for her. He was dressed casually, just like her, in a simple t-shirt and pants. Still, even in a crowd, his handsomeness would surely stand out.
"Shall we?" he asked, extending his hand to her.
"L-Let’s go," she replied nervously as she took his hand.
"I’m just being careful with you. Your surgery is still fresh. Anyway, I have a face mask, sunglasses, and a cap here. It’s probably best if you wear them to protect your face from the heat and dirt," he informed her.
The car was already prepared in the garage, with Nick waiting for them. Javier opened the car door for her, and she got in, with him following and sitting beside her.
She took what he offered and put them on. "Let’s go, Nick," he instructed the older man.
"Where are we going, Javier?" she asked.
"You’ll see," he replied with a smile.
She didn’t argue further, knowing that he only wanted the best for her. She decided to just enjoy the beautiful view outside as they traveled.
After an hour, they stopped at an upscale shopping mall. "Are we going in here?" she asked, surprised.
"You need a total makeover, Veronica. If you think your face is enough, it’s not. There’s still a lot you need to change to fully become Beatrice Romanov," he said, pulling her towards a beauty salon with a name she couldn’t even pronounce, clearly indicating it was high-end.
"I’ve already arranged their services. They’ll work their magic to help you achieve Beatrice’s style," he assured her.
She swallowed hard. Was this really what she wanted? To completely become Beatrice Romanov?