Many of my characteristics had been replaced by those of someone I'd never met or heard of.
My almond-shaped eyes had replaced my deep-set ones. My dark brown eyes had been replaced with pale brown ones. Among all of my attributes, my eyes are my fave! My already little face had shrunk much more. My heart-shaped lips and sharp nose remained the same. It didn't change much following the procedure.
It's strange, yet I recognize myself in this face. Shouldn't I be feeling this way?
The door opened, and Daddy was ushered out. I expected him to grin from ear to ear after the procedure, but he just stared at me, lifeless. I didn't see a single reaction.
He handed me a brown envelope he had given me the night before but which I had refused.
"It has all of Kameron Howard's information, including the slightest details about her," he said, handing me a zip-lock bag containing some personal stuff. "These are the items I obtained from her; you should return to California with them."
Before I called him, I nodded. "Can you still see me, D-Dad?"
He approached me, annoyed by my query. "What do you mean?"
"Can you still see Jian on me? I mean, I thought about it—"
He then walked away, saying, "No, I didn't see Jian on you."
I lowered my shoulder and peered in the mirror once again. Am I going insane? Perhaps I'm just comforting myself because I still can't let go of Jian.
This isn't how I should be feeling! Damn! Damn!
To distract myself, I read Kameron Howard's information. I learned a great deal about her.
Kameron Eve Howard is her actual name, and she will turn 28 on November 25. Sorin Howard, Kameron's father, is the CEO and creator of the Howard Group of Companies, and Kameron is his only child. Her mother had abandoned them.
When I saw some fascinating things about her, the side of my lips grew. Kameron is the Dean of Cooper University.
In my absence, I said, "I never knew preparing revenge could be so easy when you have all the connections."
Jillian, I admire all you've done.
It took me three days to return to France. Kameron Howard is so simple to fathom, and her life is mundane. Since birth, she has had no lover. I have a good idea of her type of lady.
She is a lovely, pure, and simple woman. Before Mom dropped a bomb on me, I was a charming, polite, and intelligent woman.
This is the day Daddy stated when Kameron would return from Australia. When we arrived at the airport, we parted ways. He placed several additional orders, but none of them concerned me. They're all about Kameron, and I'm expected to be soft, kind, and cheerful in front of everyone who knows her.
I quickly put on my shades when I exited the airport. Dad advised me to dress, but as we parted ways, I changed. I cannot bear wearing plain pants and a plain shirt.
I'm now wearing a red beret, black trousers, and an off-shoulder crop top with ruffled edges.
Seeing myself in the car's window glass that passed before me transformed my attitude. I gathered myself and put a grin on my lips.
When the window unexpectedly opened, it revealed a guy with an annoyed expression. Was it because I mirrored that he was angry? What a strict guy!
I focused on him and walked a little distance to hail a taxi. A muscular arm took my luggage as I boarded the cab.
"Excuse me? What are you doing?" I growled, attempting to retrieve my suitcase, but he refused.
He didn't respond; instead, he shut the cab door and hauled my bag to the car I had previously mirrored.
What's the matter with this guy?
"You jerk!"
When I yelled, he stopped. Everyone drew my attention for a brief period.
He slightly massaged the bridge of his nose. "Kameron, please don't put me on the spot."
My eyes widened a bit, but I immediately discarded them. Is he Kameron's friend? Why didn't I ever think of that? Damn, I'm such a fool!
I laughed a little bit. "Sorry."
He frowned. "Please come in."
I instantly entered his car and commanded myself there.
My senses were barely constricted. He entered and began operating the vehicle after a few moments.
I couldn't take my gaze away from him. I saw his jaw clenching, flexing his wonderfully sculpted jaw. His hair is styled into "curtains."
He was born with a pointy nose. His lips are a little reddish. I'm thinking... Is it soft?
Oh my gosh! Am I lusting for him? I am still determining what his relationship with Kameron is. Cousin? Friend?
Perhaps a lover?
My attention was drawn to his hands on the steering wheel. Under the white cotton of his shirt, his biceps and muscles appeared to be extremely tense. His white button-down shirt was folded up to his elbows.
"Stop staring at me," he muttered, barely looking at me.
I quickly averted my gaze.
I feigned to be annoyed by the query, "What took you so long?"
"You should ask that yourself. I've been calling you before, but you're not looking back," the man replied, narrowing his eyes at me in the rearview mirror.
I merely gazed at him and concentrated on our situation.
I had no idea I had been sleeping for the entire trip. I had barely awoken when I heard him on the phone with someone. He said goodbye to whoever he was phoning when he saw I was awake.
"Let's have lunch," he suggested as we entered a posh eatery.
I merely nodded and went away before him. When I saw myself in the mirror, I froze. My hold on my saddle strengthened. My jaw tightened, but it dissipated when someone took my elbow and guided me into the restaurant.
I went away from him, removing his elbow. Only with Steven do I feel entirely at ease.
When we walked in, the female manager welcomed us and offered to show us to his reserved room. We were going to the hotel when I noticed Steven in his business suit.
What is he doing in this place?
I stopped. I was about to go near Steven when someone cleared his throat.
I'm no longer Jian…
That's when I realized it. This is no longer my life; Kameron's friend is no longer Jian's, and Jian's family is no longer Kameron's.
Even when we have food in front of us, that concept keeps nagging in my thoughts. I've been hungry recently and am now losing my appetite.
"What are you doing?" said the individual in front of me, his voice baritone.
I lied and said, "I don't like the meal."
"That's your favorite food..." He glanced at the food before returning his gaze to me.
I quickly pretended to cough. "Anymore," I said, smiling as if I didn't mind his reaction.
"Give it a shot, Kam. You're looking so thin today," he stated authoritatively.
I examined the meal. The man had a pleasing appearance. This was my usual standard when I met Steven, who converted me to Korean cuisine.
"I don't want it," I said, leaning against the chair to avoid his piercing looks. My arms were crossed over my chest.
Who is he to force me to consume this?
Before I ate the dish, I said, "How I wish Steven were here."
I heard him chuckle, almost like he was claiming victory, but it didn't last long.
"By the way, who is Steven?"
I drank some juice. This is the ideal opportunity to learn about the current situation in Kameron's life.
"Are you jealous?" I questioned, a devilish grin on my face.
He ignored me before concentrating entirely on the food. Because of this, I became even more upset. He can't possibly ignore me. I hope this man doesn't have a significant character in Kameron's life!
I ate very little and was grateful he didn't insist on finishing the meal. We will have a significant fight if he lets me do it.
He's a tyrant. I wouldn't like it.
After we finish eating, I look for Steven, but he is nowhere to be found.
We arrived at a settlement after a few minutes. So, Kameron hails from Paris? I couldn't help but be astounded by the mansions within the community. I couldn't help but be taken aback by the impressive modern villa in front of me.
Howard is really the Jones' worst nightmare.
After opening the guard gate, we halted in front of the big entrance. There were maids and an older woman in a wheelchair waiting for us.
Before he opened the door for me, the man came out first. This house is filled with trees and flowers. I immediately remembered our old house, which was smaller but had a similar vibe.
"Oh, bring me closer to my granddaughter! I want to hug her!"
I approached her slowly and hugged her.
Maybe she is Kameron's grandmother. I stepped slightly away from them after letting go of the hug. They could also want to say hello to the man.
The older woman stared at him, smacking his hand, which was about to be made into a fist. As he turned to face me, I raised an eyebrow at him.
"I need to sleep," I muttered before turning away.
I gave my clutch to a maid and ordered her to follow me even though my only intention was for her to accompany me to Kameron's room.
When I saw the inside of the house, I couldn't help but be amazed once more. The furniture and exterior design are both quite luxurious! But it was their giant staircase that attracted my eye!
Kameron and her father are depicted in a vast picture. Kameron was behind her father, who was sitting on a couch. Kameron's grin is enormous. It's a shame I didn't have the opportunity to witness that smile in person.
I took a look around Kameron's chamber. Her room has a bohemian vibe, which I find a little... lame. I'll make this a minimalistic theme if I have time.
I immediately proceed to the walk-in closet, expecting to see dresses, pants, and blouses. She needs to have a sense of style.
I went into CR because staring at her bookcase made my head throb. I didn't notice any makeup at all. Only powder and lip balm!
I soaked it in the bathtub immediately, then filled it with water. So soothing.
I'll seek Steven tomorrow morning to carry out my plan together. Right now, Steven is the only person I can trust.
When a loud knock disrupted my relaxing moment, my eyelids were about to close.
While dressed in a black robe I discovered in Kameron's closet, I tsked. Because the knocking continued, I quickened my pace. Annoying!
When I opened the door, the side of his lips rose, mine too!
"What do you need?" I asked with my arms crossed.
He walked in and shut the door behind him. I backed away as he took a step. His actions indicate danger, yet I continue to act strong.
"W-What do you need?" I questioned again, hesitating a little.
His brows are about to meet, and he still manages to ask me calmly.
"Did you say anything to your grandmother?"
"What the hell... nothing, I said nothing!" My grip tightened on my robe's strap.
I was practically there!
"You're lying! You confessed to me the day before your trip, and I rejected you in the nicest manner possible, Kam; I thought that was apparent to you. And now you're spitting shit behind my back with Aunt Rona?"
This guy is hugely obnoxious and unpleasant! Rejected in a friendly manner?! What a moron!
"Whether you rejected me in a good or horrible manner, it doesn't change that you did!" I screamed.
His brows were wrinkled. I was ready to pull him out the door when I opened it. But I came to a halt when I saw a familiar face.
Kameron's father is this man! He was the one shown in the picture on the grand staircase.
"I'm shocked you and Jaxsen quarreled too..." he added, clearly not pleased with what he had heard.
Jaxsen. That name
"Jaxsen Cooper, Cooper University's sole successor."
That came out when I researched the school I resented the most.
This man is Kameron's fiancé?!
"Uncle, it's not what you think—"
I approached Kameron's father and hooked my arms on his forearm, looking like a child.
"Daddy, it's just a misunderstanding — a lovers quarrel… you know?" I deliberately softened my voice. Jaxsen frowned at what I did.
Kameron's father exhaled deeply before nodding and smiling at us. He patted my head before turning away from us and said nothing. Disappointed.
I kept my gaze on Jaxsen briefly before remembering his purpose in my scheme. My lips formed a seductive grin. I carefully moved closer to him as I unfastened the knot on my clothing.
He averted his gaze to see we were only a few feet away. I can see how his almost perfect jaw clenched. I prefer to tease him since he has a bad temper.
"Let's restart everything on us—"
When his frigid lips crashed into mine, I froze. His tongue is trying to find a way inside my mouth. My knees, however, had gone to jelly.
Before he could enter my mouth, I collected all my strength to push him away from me.
Smirking. He placed his hands in each pocket before bending in close enough for me to hear his whisper.
He gravely said, "You don't like it when I go rough on you," before turning away from me.
After five years, a guy finally affected my inner system again.