Second Thoughts After Divorce

Rose’s POV

+10

Bonu

08:21

The next day arrived with Ashton, fully immersed in his duties as the Alpha, stating that he had to head out to diligently prepare for the arrival of his supporting warriors who would be visiting the pack soon….

It was none of my business, and so I left him to it, waiting on the front step of the house for Oliver

to arrive.

In contrast to Ashton’s intense preparations, Oliver found himself entrusted with a

a task like no other… taking me to the salon for the first time ever!

Watching his car pull up the gravel drive, I bounced to stand up, approaching the car in sudden excitement.

Oliver raises a brow at my grinning face as I climb in beside him immediately, seeing him shake his head.

“Aren’t you excited? We are going to the salon! I state in amusement, before hearing him g

groan loudly.

The comment seemed to bring out his least favorite emotions–discomfort and annoyance. He was tasked with taking me to the beauty salon, somewhere I’m guessing made him feel bored and out of place.

As we made our way there, Oliver’s reluctance was evident in his demeanor, his grumbling commentary punctuating the journey and almost causing me to feel guilty.

“How about… I just drop you off there, and have them call me when you’re done? I’ll come pick you up after? Oliver suggests, as I giggle at his thought.

Despite his reservations, Oliver made a compelling bargain- he would just drop me off and pick me up later, skillfully evading the salon experience

himself.

The thought of sparing him from the salon’s dreaded environment was rather amusing, and so I agreed to venture into the world of beauty treatments

on my own.

“Ok sure! But could you come in with me, just at first? I’m not sure on what to do…” Ladmit shyly, as he laughs next.

“What and you seriously think I’ll be much help? I have no idea what to do or ask for when we go in there either!” He blurts out, causing us both to chuckle now.

Well I guess he’s right… this is a first for both of us…

“I take you in if it makes you feel better.” He concludes, finally agreeing, as I nod eagerly.

Oliver soon pulls up outside a glittering gold and pink salon named ‘Eleganza. He gestures with his hand for us to exit the car, as I do just that feeling compelled by the bright and inviting atmosphere….

He goes first, guiding me into the opulent salon, as I couldn’t help but marvel at the exquisite space and tasteful decor surrounding me. It was quite simply a sanctuary of luxury in here, a place where transformations unfolded with every brushstroke and treatment that they carried out.

A short red haired lady, who I figured is the owner, greets us warmly.

This female is an important guest of the Alphas… he wishes for her to have the best experience.” Oliver informs her, as her eyes widen and she nods in total understanding before flashing me a bright smile,

Her attention seems piqued as Oliver talks… before the lady soon offers me a package deal as a kind gesture to the Alpha… listing a hair makeover, nails, brows, lashes, a facial and waxing…

Before I could even fully comprehend the extent of the offer, Oliver had agreed to it for me with an amused chuckle, leaving me to navigate the world of pampering with a mix of apprehension and excitement on my own.

leave my number, will you call me when she is almost done? So i can come by to pick her up? Oliver asks her next, as she rushes to give him a pe and paper to do just that.

With a final goodbye, Oliver is gone, as I return my attention back to the latly who moves to touch and examine my hair up close,

“Anything in mind dear? She questions, as I shrug and shake my head at the question.

“Not really… what do you think?” I ask, my voice quiet and unsure as she hums in thought

+109

Bonu:

08:20

“I think……. maybe add some lighter highlights throughout your natural colour of blonde to help lift your hair and make it standout! I think you should definitely keep it long, but perhaps try a different cut? Something to add volume and frame your face? The lady takes my hand, bringing me towards a free salon chair as she ushers for me to take a seat.

“Sure… that sounds fine! I tell her, earning a bright smile as she nods and moves to gather up her equipment,

To be totally truthful, I wasn’t exactly sure of what she had planned for my hair,

ir, but I trusted the process…maybe a new look could help match my new life here in this pack?

The woman attending to me was a vision of confidence and skill, suggesting the addition of lighter highlights to enhance my hair’s allure and health as she began mixing the products and sectioning off my strands.

As my hair transformation unfolded, another skilled attendant came around to focus on my nails, working her magic with meticulous precision.

A bright shade of pink caught my eye, and I decided to match my finger nails to my toes, allowing a touch of vibrance in to my life to infuse the transformation. It was as if with each stroke of color, I was shedding layers of my former self, embracing a newfound sense of identity and confidence.

I could get used to this…

After a while of hair products, washing, drying and curling – the final result left me speechless.

The face–framing haircut and the strategically placed highlights had completely transformed my appearance…

My reflection stared back at me with renewed vibrancy and radiance as my hair sat in neat bouncy waves – brighter and full of life.

The changes were subtle yet impactful, and 1 marveled at how they had managed to enhance my features while preserving the essence of who I was. A. surge of newfound confidence bubbled within me, and I found myself eager to show off my transformation, both to myself and to Ashton when I get home!

“You like it dear?” The Lady questions, as I nod eagerly and admire my reflection for a few more moments.

“I love it! Thank you!” I exclaim, having her chuckle and clap in excitement.

ne haven of tranquility.

The time had come to transition on to the next round of treatments, as I was led downstairs to a serene

“Lydia, our beauty assistant, will take care of you now… The lady gestures for me to enter the room she had pointed to, as I nod and thank her pushing open the door to be met with relaxing music.

The assistant stood in the corner, ready to take care of my lash and eyebrow tint, waxing, and facial….

However, as 1 entered the room, my gaze was drawn to the young woman before me, and not in a positive way. Her appearance was hauntingly familiar as she stood around my age, with tired eyes and dirt–smudged clothing and skin that hinted at a journey of hardship. Memories of my past in my previous pack flooded my mind, and I couldn’t shake the sense of déjà vu.

“Hi, I’m Rose, it’s nice to meet you.” I introduce myself, my voice soft with a level of understanding as I stared at her.

I wonder what her story is?

She looked up, her gaze finally meeting mine, and for a fleeting moment, her eyes sparkled with hope.

Could it be that the too had experienced a similar life to mine, a life marked by struggles and challenges? The unspoken connection between us was quite simply palpable, a shared understanding that transcended words… or so I thought?

Maybe she thinks that I’m just a typical salon customer, standing here with my fresh hair and rails newly done….

If only he could have seen me the first day I had arrived here!

ford smile held a mix of weariness and resilience. “Im Lydia, lovely to meet you Rose” She replies gently, her voice carrying a weight that resonated with my own experiences.

4-109

Bonus

*Please lie down on the table and get comfortable… I will begin your treatments.” Lydia gestures to the table, remaining professional as I move towards

it and do as she asks.

08:17

She neatly fixes my hair back, to ensure it remained tidy yet out of her way… before she began with my facial first…….

“Do you like working in the salon?” I find myself wondering, the question escaping my lips before I can stop it.

“I do yes… but please forgive me Miss, but I am not supposed to speak to the customers… I was warned that it would disrupt their salon experience.. Lydia explains with a slight sigh, as I squint at her words,

“Really? I like to chat… I don’t have many friends here at this pack you see… well I don’t have many friends at all for that matter!” I trail off, closing my eyes as Lydia’s hands massage a heavenly scented moisturiser into my skin.

“Sans…” She comments simply, a reply that my heart hadn’t yet prepared for

Did I

I hear that right? She doesn’t have many friends either?

As Lydia continued to work, my mind raced for what else I could say to make more conversation. I felt a sudden urge to get to know this girl…an urge to try and help her… despite not even knowing her situation yet!

My treatments continued, each moment of silence between Lydia and me leaving me even more curious about her.

As her skilled hands worked their magic on my skin, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of kinship with her. Our shared experiences, though unspoken, resonated deeply, and 1 yeared to bridge the gap that separated us. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

As the treatments drew to a close, I hesitated for a moment before building up the courage to speak again. “Lydia… I know it might be against the rules, but… you said same when I spoke about not having many friends here?” I ponder quietly, before Lydia pulls back the waxing strip on my leg again.

“Uh yes! Ignore me! That was silly of me to tell you!” Lydia blunders, seeming Bustered by my words as I shake my head and watch her prepare the next strip

“No please! I won’t tell anyone that you spoke with me… you’re the first female my age that I’ve spoken to and found normal!” I compliment, as her eyes glance up at me in surprise before she stares back down.

“I am?” She whispers, as I nod in confirmation feeling more hair getting pulled from my leg – a sensation I was growing used to by now.

“Seriously! Please don’t tell anyone… but I met a girl named Heather yesterday, and she was so mean to me for no reason!” I ramble, trying to prove my point.

I notice Lydia freeze at the mention of Heather, before returning to her job and moving to my second leg now…

Maybe she knows her?

“This is totally random… but would you maybe like to have dinner with me where I live?” The invitation hung in the air, my heart racing as I awaited her response.

I had never actually asked anyone my own age to spend time with me before… sure I had Ruth, but Ruth had her own life and family to tend to besides dealing with me!

Lydia’s hands stilled for a moment, and I glanced over to find her looking at me with surprise and uncertainty. It was as if the suggestion had caught her off guard, her eyes reflecting a mixture of entations.

“Dinner?” She repeated, her voice soft and uncertain. I watched as she continued to wax my last leg, her movements slightly distracted.

you know, maybe as friends? I mean, if you want to… no pressure,” I stumbled over my words, my ch*eks flushing slightly. The offer feh genigne, and I hoped she could sense my sincerity with it.

Lydia’s gaze shifted to the side, her expression pensive as she considered my proposition. The air seeming to thicken with anticipation, as I held my breath, my heart beating faster.

gone over my time for the treatments,” She fully spoke, finishing up and checking her small wrist watch… “Hut.. wouldn’t hurt one night.”

suppose a quick dinner

The hint of a smile tugged at the comer of her lips, and my heart soared. The fact i

that she was even considering the idea filled w with a sense of

accomplishment.

“Really? That’s great!” I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

+109

Bonus

08:15

As she hurriedly packed up her equipment, I realized that time was of the essence for her. “I’ll give you my number, if you want to text me the details? I’m free most nights anyway.” Lydia shrugs, grabbing a piece of paper and scribbling on it.

Perfect!

Maybe I can help her now too….