Deceptive Beauty

Fake Beauty

No way! You two have really split up? I cant believe it! Rosie stared at her mate in utter disbelief, making him feel a bit awkward. Her eyes were so wide it was almost comical, her eyebrows shot up to her hairline, and her mouth hung open thats how shocking the news sounded to her. You used to worship Emily! I always told everyone your relationship was the dream I even wished I had what you two had!

Its over, Rosie. Properly over Ben grumbled, gazing out the window. The weather outside matched his mood perfectly: sheets of cold rain drummed against the glass, streaming down and breaking into little rivulets, scattering into droplets. It all felt so empty, and five years of memories with Emily weighed on him, making everything around seem grey and lifeless. There was a hollow spot in his chest the bit that used to be filled with her gentle looks, warm hugs, and talks of the future. He clenched his fists so hard his knuckles went white, and when he spoke again, his voice was shaky: Its finished, yknow? Finito

But why? Rosie leaned forward, almost squinting at Bens face in worry. Emily waited for you that entire work stint up in Leeds! Refused every bloke that flirted with her, didnt touch a single present or bouquet!

Oh, and howd you know all that? You live blooming miles away, Ben managed a wry grin, clearly trying for a laugh but falling short. Or is this a case of the sisterhood keeping secrets?

Look, I might live a couple hundred miles off in Birmingham, but you forget something, she replied, not the least bit offended. Settling back in the armchair and folding her arms, Rosie gave him a mischievous smile though he could see real worry in her eyes. Loads of my old uni friends keep tabs on her. I did hear she went full throttle with her looks not sure on the details, but she changed her hair, hit the gym, bought a load of new clothes. And all while you were away. She really put the effort in, Ben.

And thats why we split up! Ben got up suddenly and hurried to the hallway, yanking his phone from his coat pocket like it was burning him. He was all sharp gestures and nervous energy, as if he could outpace his own thoughts. He rummaged around, finally pulled out his phone and nearly rushed back to Rosie. One photo, thats all itll take for you to see how bad this got. Remember what Emily looked like before I left?

Obvs, mate, Rosie rolled her eyes, though her voice caught. She paused, really picturing her friend. She was adorable. Long, straight, light brown hair past her shoulders, big blue eyes, neat little nose… Her figure was lovely too though, fair play, you always said you didnt mind a bit less up top.

Thats right! I loved her just the way she was! Bens voice went up, then dropped into a scratchy whisper. His grip on the phone was white-knuckled. She was perfect to me! But no sooner had I left than her mates started getting in her head. Told her Id dump her if she didnt change. And she bought it! She believed those idiots! So she changed not because she wanted to, but because they made her think Id stop loving her otherwise.

So what, its that bad? Rosies anxiety was twisting her insides. She gripped the arm of her chair automatically, frown lines deepening. She couldnt actually picture what Ben was on about.

Take a look! Ben shoved the phone almost under her nose. On screen, Emily was utterly unrecognisable.

The luxurious hair shed always been so proud of was lopped into a brutal pixie-cut and bleached a brash platinum blonde. What could have been elegant, just made her look harsh it was all angles where there used to be softness. Her lips had clearly had work done (way overboard, in fact), plumped up to the point they looked practically stuck on, killing the balance of her face.

Emily had dropped at least a stone but it hadnt turned out like shed hoped. Instead of slim, she looked worn-out: collarbones jutting, ribs visible under her skin, arms thin as twigs. Her complexion was ghastly pale, almost translucent, with deep circles under her eyes as if she hadnt slept for days. And the worst part (if you asked Ben)? Shed had her chest done something she’d never have even considered before! She knew how Ben felt about that sort of thing: hed always gone on about loving natural beauty, never seeing the appeal of drastic changes.

And there she is, showing up at Heathrow to meet me, and all Im thinking is should I just walk right past? Bens voice trembled with emotion. He turned sharply, thumped his fist on the wall and then pulled a pained expression, shaking out his burning hand. How do you even manage to wreck yourself so much in just half a year? Why didnt she ever get that I loved her all of her just as she was? I didnt want any of this!

Still wound-up, Ben paced the lounge like a caged tiger, arms flailing, then freezing dead still, only to resume his pacing. His face flushed with frustration, then turned pale again. He switched from clenching his fists to covering his face with both hands, visibly haunted by what hed seen.

And Rosie, she understood. Shed been the one hearing all the moans about his nightmare boss whod shipped him off to Leeds for months. Ben had dreaded leaving Emily alone, worried sick, but couldnt drag her with him her final-year at uni, exams looming, plus there was no way his office would give him the flexibility. Hed rung Emily every day, tried to cheer her up, told her over and over how much he missed her. And now, coming home, it was like some stranger had taken Emilys place.

Maybe she only wanted to please you? Rosie ventured gently, rising and approaching Ben slowly. Maybe someone convinced her youd be happier that these changes were for you.

Ben gave a bitter, lopsided smile and shook his head:

Please me? Shes gone and lost herself! I loved the real Emily, and now I dont even know who Im looking at.

What bothered Ben most was how Emily always ducked video calls. Every time hed suggested FaceTime, shed politely but firmly refuse, grinning and promising a big surprise for when he got back a surprise hed absolutely love, she insisted. It sounded sweet, but in Bens gut, there was something off. She was too eager to avoid him seeing her. Maybe shed already found someone else and just didnt want to do the break-up on the phone? The thought gnawed at him, keeping him from sleeping or focusing at work.

Eventually, Ben couldnt take it and asked his old mate Simon, who still lived back in Reading near Emily, to find out what was going on quietly, without making a scene. Just check in, keep an eye out, have a word with their mates. Simon hesitated but agreed.

Two days later, Simon called back.

Yeah, shes definitely planning some sort of surprise but Im not sure youll like it. Thats all I can say. But look, theres definitely no new fella, shes been waiting for you, genuinely. Always asking when youre back, and looking a bit on edge.

That actually helped Ben calm down, and he even managed to crack a weak smile, running a hand through his hair. Maybe he shouldnt overthink the surprise. Maybe it wasnt as bad as his imagination made out. At least she wasnt double-timing him. Knowing she was waiting for him, that mattered.

Now Ben looks back and thinks he shouldve just let Simon send him that photo he offered. Maybe if hed actually seen what Emily was planning, he couldve nipped things in the bud. Hell, he mightve quit his job and driven straight down to Reading that night, sorting things before it got so out of hand. But now it was too late.

On the morning he was coming back, Ben was absolutely wired couldnt sit still for a second. Watching the time, fidgeting all the way on the plane, and when he was finally in a London taxi, fiddling with his jacket cuffs. His palms were sweaty. Heart pounding like it might actually escape his chest. In his head, he pictured Emily waiting for him, smiling, waving, running for a massive hug. Theyd wander home, put the kettle on, collapse on the sofa and unload it all: the funny moments, the rough patches, every thought theyd had while apart.

Reality, though, was a bitter letdown. When Ben finally spotted Emily at Arrivals, he just froze this wasnt the girl he remembered. Her whole look had changed so much that, for a moment, he thought hed approached the wrong person. He blinked, trying to take it in, feeling the bottom drop out of his stomach.

Ben! Ive missed you so much! Emily darted forward, arms open, but he just stepped back, dodging her hug. Her smile wobbled, eyes suddenly full of hurt and confusion, hands lingering awkwardly in the air before she let them drop. She stood there, not sure what the hell was going on.

Whats the matter? Its me! Or was my surprise just that much of a shock? Her voice had a sort of hopeful tremor, while her fingers nervously toyed with her new hair.

I just dont know what happened to my girlfriend, Ben replied, sounding far away and cold. Everything inside him was churning he wanted to scream, shout, let it all out, but being surrounded by people in the arrivals hall kept him from causing a scene. He stepped back further, examining her face. Have you been ill? Or just lost your mind? Wheres your gorgeous hair? Wheres that realness I loved so much?

You mean fat, yeah? Emily pouted, voice wobbly, eyes filling with tears that she clearly tried to hold back. She clenched and unclenched her fists, pushing herself to regain control. Behind her, a pair of girlfriends clearly her backup tittered, making Emily shoot them a glare full of silent accusation.

Look, you dont have to sugar-coat it. I know I let myself go, all right? Emily tried to sound tough but couldnt keep the shake from her voice. Well, now you wont have to feel ashamed to be seen out with me! Look at me now modern, stylish, everything. Isnt it better than before?

Who says I want to be seen out with you now? Bens voice went hard, sharp as glass. He shook his head, refusing to hide his disappointment. Youve gone from a beautiful girl to a total stranger! I loved you as you were, and now? Now, I dont even recognise you. You couldve at least talked to me we always talked things through. Why didnt you ask what I wanted?

Oh, come on, Ben! She could be in Vogue, she looks so good! piped up one of the girls, stepping forward to clap Emily on the back like she was showing off a prize. She gets blokes coming up to her daily, especially after the transformation! She threw a not-so-subtle look at Emilys chest and winked as if that explained everything. You should be happy! She did all this for you!

Ben rounded on her, face twisted with irritation.

Not for me for herself! He glared at Emily, his gaze torn between pain and anger. Words poured out even though he knew he was being harsh. Dont try and put this on me.

Stepping towards Emily, Ben dropped his voice, and the sadness in it made Rosies chest ache.

Emily, you always knew how I felt about all this. I always said I loved how natural you were. What youve done to yourself this isnt what I love. You used to be so real, so uniquely you. Now, it all looks artificial almost like youve turned into someone else.

He stopped, brushing his hair back, and added, more quietly but with resolve:

I spent the last month just imagining coming home and proposing. I even bought a ring, Emily wanted us to build a future, a family But now? Sorry, I cant be with someone whos a stranger to me.

Emily went white, the tears finally spilling, her breath ragged, her mouth opening and closing uselessly. She made to reach out for Ben, stopping herself, desperate to explain or fix it.

Ben, wait! she finally managed, voice broken and husky. I didnt mean I just thought it would make us better! I wanted you to be proud of me

But Ben had already turned away, storming off without looking back. Disappointment, pain, and confusion crashed inside him, and he walked on, blindly, not trusting himself to look at her again.

Emily shouted something after him, tried to follow, but her mates held her back.

Oh, let him go! said one, squeezing Emilys shoulders. Dont you dare let him upset you like this. Hes just in complete shock, hell come crawling back and apologise, mark my words. Dont let your pride take a knock. Youre stunning, every lads head turns. Youll find yourself someone better!

Emily was barely listening. She watched Ben disappear in the crowd, tears streaming, mascara running and inside, there was just emptiness, the cold truth sinking in that, trying to become more, shed actually lost the thing that mattered most.

I genuinely wanted to marry her, you know, Ben finished his story bitterly. He hid his face, his shoulders shaking as he tried to keep his emotions together. I pictured every bit of it how Id propose, how shed laugh and leap into my arms, how wed be happy Saw her standing there, and it was like shed vanished. She just wasnt Emily anymore.

He stopped, took a shaky breath, and looked away, sadness pressing on him.

Why do girls always doubt themselves so much? Every single day, I told Emily she was lovely. Loved her smile, her quirks, all those little things that made her her. And she she tossed it all away. Tried to erase herself, just to turn into anybody else.

Do you know what really stings? Ben suddenly looked up, blinking back tears and clenching his fists so tight they went red. This is all her mates doing! Im certain of it now. She got right in Emilys head, did it on purpose, wanted us split up.

Why would she do that? Rosie inched closer and squeezed Bens arm supportively, heart aching at the state of him. Shed never seen him so broken before Ben, who was always upbeat and strong, now looked utterly exhausted and hollowed-out.

Because she told me to my face, Ben spat, the anger straining his voice as a vein pulsed in his neck. She actually turned up at my flat, bold as you like. Told me she was so much better than Emily, had real beauty. I nearly chucked her out down the stairs! He slammed his fist against the sofa and ran a trembling hand over his hair, fighting for calm.

Ben gritted his teeth, staring into space, fingers still twitching, haunted by that vile conversation.

Worst is, his tone dropped, barely above a whisper she seemed to think Id just forget Emily and fall straight for her. Like one chat was all it would take to erase everything Emily and I had. No chance. I loved Emily, and its flaming painful that she let anyone get into her head like that.

Rosie said nothing, just quietly listened, knowing full well it was tearing Ben apart, realising his picture-perfect relationship had been wrecked by someone elses jealousy and his own girlfriends fragile confidence. She desperately wanted to help, to soothe him, but the words just didnt come.

What now? Did you actually try talking to her? Maybe its not too late Rosie tried, her hand resting gently on Bens arm.

She likes the way she looks now, and isnt turning back, Ben gave a bitter, humourless laugh, scrubbing his face as if that would clear out his misery. She rang me and said I had no right to dump her after waiting half a year! He finally sank down on the sofa, slumped over, like he was weighed down with invisible bricks. Resting his elbows on his knees, balling his hands tight, Ben stared at the floor. I love her. I honestly love her so much. But the Emily I loved shes gone. This is just someone else now with fake lips, that skinny body, the lies.

Rosie just squeezed his hand firmly, that warm touch telling him he wasnt alone. She saw him struggle to keep from breaking down, shoulders shaking, fighting tears, breathing ragged as he herself had to fight not to join him.

Dyou remember that walk we took in Hyde Park in the autumn? Ben said suddenly, distant gaze fixed somewhere through the wall. Leaves spinning down, her laughing, her hood always falling off and me putting it back on for her She said, Ben, I want it to always be like this. And I told her, It will be, love, I promise. I really believed it too.

His voice caught, and he went quiet, swallowing hard against tears, but emotions got the better of him. Rosie felt like her own throat had closed up, aching at the pain in her friend.

Now what have we got? Ben carried on, voice raw. She looks in the mirror and sees a beauty queen. I look at her and see a stranger. How did it all fall to bits in six months? Why didnt we just talk before, about what we wanted?

At last, he let go. Tears just rolled down. He didnt bother to wipe them, sitting hunched, weeping like a lost little boy, not a grown man breath ragged, shoulders trembling, hands clenched and unclenched helplessly.

Rosie moved close, slipped an arm around his shoulders and hugged him gently, trying to offer the warmth and comfort words couldnt.

Ben, she whispered, voice steady for his sake, this isnt your fault. You loved her, looked after her, showed her every day how much she mattered. This is someone elses jealousy or stupidity, not yours. You shouldnt carry the guilt.

Ben looked at her, eyes bloodshot and confused, still struggling to believe it all.

But what if I got it wrong? he barely breathed it. Maybe I shouldnt have pushed her away. Maybe she just got scared Id stop loving her Maybe they made her feel worthless, and she was only trying to make me happy, but I threw it back at her?

You could see the battle raging: pain and love, hope and disappointment. It was clear he was holding on to the idea that underneath it all, Emily was unchanged his Emily, who liked hot chocolate in the mornings and doodled faces on steamed-up windows; who laughed at his worst puns and always found ways to lift his mood.

Rosie squeezed his hand, leaned closer, and looked right in his eyes.

Youre allowed to feel what you feel, she said firmly. And youre allowed boundaries. You never have to force yourself to accept something you just cant. But if you do still want to try maybe give her the chance to explain? Not for her for what you both shared. For the love you know you still have. Talk to her. Really talk. Let her tell you what she went through, why she changed. And you let her see what youve been through, how all this has felt.

Ben took a deep breath, wiped his face with his sleeve, and gazed out the window. The rain had finally stopped; the first soft rays of the sunset poked through the breaking clouds, painting the sky pink and gold. He watched the light dancing, searching for a sign, a hint of how to move on.

Maybe youre right, he murmured at last. For now, I just need some time. Time to work out how I feel, what comes next. I cant just forget everything but I dont want to throw away what we had either, not if theres even the smallest chance to fix itHe sat in silence, the weight of what had been and what might still be settling quietly around him. Rosie stayed beside him, her presence a steady comfort. After a few minutes, Ben reached into his pocket and pulled out the little velvet box he hadn’t yet found the strength to open since landing back in London. He turned it over in his hands, thumb brushing the edge, wondering what might have been.

“I thought everything was simple, right?” he said, voice soft. “Love someone as they are. Trust them to trust you back. Turns out sometimes people lose themselves even when youre holding on as tight as you can.”

Rosie squeezed his shoulder, the two of them watching the sky grow brighter, gold soaking the rooftops.

“I think maybe all of us need reminding, sometimes, that being loved isnt the same as being perfect,” Rosie said gently. “And loving isnt the same as saving. Maybe the best thing you ever gave her was loving who she was before the world told her not to be.”

Ben let his eyes close, breathing in slow. The ache was still there, but somewhere under it, a kind of hope was quietly bloomingfragile but real.

He didnt know if hed ever call Emily again, or if shed call him. Maybe theyd find their way back, changed but older, able to talk honestly, to forgive. Or maybe this was how their story endeda memory of laughter in autumn, love that was true but not quite strong enough to weather the storm of doubt.

Either way, he thought, hed never forget her. And maybe that was enough. Maybe, with time, hed see her walking through Hyde Park one day, bright hair catching the sun, and hed remember only the best of them.

Rosie stood up, holding out a hand to him. “Come on,” she said softly, smile tilted with warmth. “Theres still some daylight left. Lets take a walk. Start again.”

Ben took her hand, the velvet box quietly slipping back into his pocket, and together they stepped outsideinto air scrubbed clean by rain, and a world that, for all its messy heartbreak, still shimmered with the promise of forgiveness and new beginnings.