Chapter 9: Be Mindful of Your Identity!
Hayley’s POV
However, I matched the photo Henry had shown them earlier…
After being rescued, the makeup on my face was smeared, so I wiped it off with a towel because it felt gross. Though the wig stayed in place, my bare face… I was fuming. How could I have overlooked this?
“I…” My mind raced.
Irving continued to gaze intently at my face. His stare made me slightly nervous, but I maintained my composure. “Mr. Irving, may we talk for a moment?”
“Of course.”
“Please, come in,” I said, opening the door wider and letting out a relieved breath.
“But before we begin, may I ask you something?” Irving set down the clothes he’d brought and looked at me earnestly.
I appreciated his direct approach; it was always refreshing to speak with someone straightforward.
“Are you wondering why I disguised myself?” I guessed, seeing him nod. I shrugged and explained, “I despise arranged marriages.”
“It seems that you and I share similar sentiments.”
“Really?” I was greatly confused. An arranged marriage would greatly benefit the Southwells and the Midnight Pack, so why would he reject such an arrangement? I could not grasp Irving’s reasoning, but that did not concern me.
Seizing the chance, I proposed, “Could you keep this between us? I assure you, you won’t be aiding me without gain. In return, I’ll assist you once.”
“What could a low-ranking Omega possibly do for me? No one can handle the tasks I need to handle,” Irving said with a hint of self-mockery, yet he still agreed, “Alright, I’ll keep your secret.”
“Thanks.”
He gestured toward the clothes on the table. “Be more careful next time. If this gets out, it could cause irreversible damage. Change into these clothes first; I’ll wait outside. When you’re ready, we can head downstairs together.”
I thanked Irving again and took the clothes back into the room. The outfit in my hands was not to my taste; its subdued style clashed with my bold personality. Nevertheless, it was not my priority at the moment.
I changed into the formal dress, checked myself out in the mirror, and had to admit, my natural appearance did justice to any attire.
Quietly opening the door, I found only Irving waiting outside, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
“I need to head to the dressing room for a bit, please wait here.”
Irving seemed taken aback by my appearance in the formal dress, pausing before replying with a slight tremor in his voice, “Okay.”
I quickly messed up my makeup in front of the mirror to match my earlier disheveled look. Then, I walked downstairs with Irving after feeling content.
Our appearance downstairs immediately sparked laughter.
“What’s with the ugly duckling? Is she trying to mimic Ms. Kilmer?”
“And she looks even worse than before!”
I eyed Madeline’s attire and instantly grasped the situation.
Madeline feigned concern. “Oh, it’s not like that. Hayley is new to such grand events, and I was the one who chose her outfit for her. She’s not mimicking me on purpose.” Then, adding insult to injury, she continued, “Hayley, this was the best outfit I could find, but it just doesn’t suit you. Next time, I’ll get one custom-made for you.”
What a two-faced b*tch. What an act she was putting on! Who cares about this tacky outfit anyway?
Seeing my silence, Janae mocked, “Hayley, do you think the phrase ‘blind imitation without considering one’s unique characteristics’ applies to you?”
Irving’s frown deepened, and he defended me. “Ms. Kostner, please keep your comments respectful.”
This triggered Janae’s jealousy further, and her tone grew more scornful. “Oh, so the Omega has charmed you. What sort of tricks does she have up her sleeve? The Southwell brothers are way out of your league. Just because Irving is nice to you doesn’t mean you can aspire beyond your station. Don’t get delusional about your chances, stay mindful of your place!”
I retorted sharply, “I am fully aware of my position. Even as an Omega, I am here as an honored guest invited by Mr. George Southwell, the Alpha of the Midnight Pack. And you, Ms. Kostner, by what right do you speak to me in such a manner?”