JOAN’S POV
Irene and I planned to spend the day getting our hair and nails done. I wasn’t the type to do this often. Hell, before I got engaged to Derrick, I couldn’t remember the last time I got my hair done. I usually did it myself. But Irene kept pleading for us to have a girl’s day out together. And how on earth could I say no to Irene?
As soon as I stepped through the doors of the salon with Irene, my jaw nearly dropped. I’d never seen anything like this place before. The walls gleamed with soft pink wallpapers and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Everything here screamed luxury, from the fluffy chairs, to the bright vanity mirrors, the marble counters and even the stylists.
Women walked around wearing robes with glasses of champagnes in their hands. They talked quietly as they were pampered by the workers.
Irene noticed my awestruck expression and grinned. “I told you, Joan, this place is worth the hype. Nothing but the best for us.”
“I can see that”
“Don’t be too surprised. This is your world now. You better get used to it”
I forced a smile. I still felt a bit out of place but I was happy to be here with her. “It’s… incredible. I can’t believe people do this regularly.”
As soon as we were led to our chairs, the stylists treated us like we were queens. They wrapped us in silk robes, offered us drinks and the latest magazines. Irene was already talking with the stylist, discussing which hairstyle she’d go for. I tried to focus, to let myself enjoy it, but my mind kept drifting back to Derrick. Just the thought of him made my heart beat faster.
Looking at the mirror, I could see two women who whispered while looking at me. One of them even took a photo of me. She thought she was discreet but I could see her position her phone just beside her bag to take a photo. At the sight of them, I knew they recognized me from the blogs. When we made eye contact through the mirror, they smiled at me and waved. I forced a polite smile back. I was starting to feel a little anxious.
Was I really that popular?
Even the stylists seemed to treat Irene and me differently. They gave me wide smiles and kept asking if I was comfortable enough.
Irene leaned over, playfully bumping my shoulder. “You’re quiet. Too quiet. You better not be backing out on this day.”
“No, no, I’m here,” I replied quickly, managing a smile. “Just… taking it all in. everyone here seems to know who I am”
“Of course, they do. You think it’s easy to capture the heart of America’s richest and most eligible bachelor?”
The thought of capturing Derrick’s heart made me blush but I knew that was far from the truth. This was just a business arrangement.
“Technically, I didn’t capture his heart” I replied.
“Hmm,” she said. “True. But you never know what might happen”
I took a sip of my wine “I guess so”
“You know, I’ve always wanted a sister. Someone to do these things with. I’m glad you’re here.”
Something warm settled in my chest. Irene had always been kind to me, and in moments like this, she made me feel like I belonged.
“Me too,” I said “I’m glad we have each other. Thanks for inviting me here”
She laughed, waving a hand. “It’s what sisters are for.”
The stylists came back to get started on our hair. Irene and I went for the same long wavy look. When they were done, I couldn’t help but smile at me reflection. My hair looked more luscious than it had been in a long time. The deep waves suited my face perfectly. After our hair was done, we moved on to get our nails done. We’d just picked out colors when a familiar voice called out from the door.
“Joan!”
I turned, and there she was-Bea.
“Bea!” I got up, rushing over to her.
We hugged tightly and it felt like a breath of fresh air. I hadn’t seen her in what felt like ages. Having her here felt like the perfect addition to the day.
“You look amazing, Joan!” Bea said, pulling back with a warm smile. “The style suite you. It’s been way too long.”
“I know,” I agreed “I’ve missed you.”
She pinched my cheek playfully “I missed you too, honey”
Irene got up and hugged her as well. After that, the three of us settled into our seats. We talked and caught up while our nails were polished. Bea and Irene started talking animatedly about something. I tried to join in, but my mind kept wandering back to Derrick…. again.
He confused me. One moment he acted like I didn’t even exist, and the next… he was defending me. The memory of how he’d stood up for me at the dinner lingered in my thoughts. I didn’t expect him to do that. I didn’t expect him to care at all. I clenched my hands, forcing myself to focus on the conversation, but Irene’s laughter faded, and I realized they were both looking at me with concern in their eyes.
“Earth to Joan?” Irene’s voice brought me back “You’ve been off in your own world all day. Something on your mind?”
I hesitated, then sighed. It was all too much for me to bear. I might as well say it out loud. “It’s Derrick. I don’t understand him. One moment he’s so… cold, like he doesn’t care. Then out of nowhere, he’s standing up for me, making me feel like I matter. I just… I don’t know how to feel about it.”
Irene nodded. She looked as if she’d been expecting this. “Joan, Derrick’s a complicated man. His tough exterior? It’s a shield. He’s been through a lot.”
“A lot?” I echoed. The idea of Derrick, strong and cold Derrick, being shaped by pain was hard to wrap my head around. “What kind of trauma? I mean, he seems… so invincible.”
Irene sighed “Derrick wasn’t always this way,” Irene said softly. “He’s been through things that would break most people. Life didn’t give him much choice but to build walls around himself. You didn’t grow up with us so I don’t expect you to understand”
A knot tightened in my chest. The thought of him suffering, of him having to protect himself in ways I couldn’t imagine, made me see him in a new light. It explained some of his distance, the way he’d seemed so guarded. And yet, he’d defended me. He’d let his guard down just enough to protect me. The realization was heartwarming and still confusing at the same time.
Irene’s gaze softened as she watched me take it all in. “Just… give him time, Joan. Be patient. Derrick’s walls are hard to break through, but you’re closer than you think. You might not know it but you are”
Bea squeezed my hand. “And in the meantime, don’t drive yourself crazy. Take it one day at a time. If he cares, he’ll show it, piece by piece.”
I took a deep breath, nodding. “You’re both right. I don’t want to rush anything… but I want to know him. I want to understand what’s behind that shield.”
“Then do it” Irene said.
I shook my head “It’s not that easy, I’ve tried”
“Stop trying too hard. Just be yourself, and stay close. He’ll show you his true self when he’s ready.”
I smiled at Irene and Bea, looking between them both “Thank you, both of you. I’ll try to be patient. It’s just… hard sometimes.”
Irene laughed, patting my shoulder. “It wouldn’t be worth it if it was easy. Just remember, you’ve got us. And if he ever steps out of line, he’ll have to answer to me.”
“And me” Bea added with a laugh.
We all laughed. In that moment, it felt like a weight was being lifted off my shoulders.
I looked down at my freshly polished nails, feeling renewed somehow. I didn’t know what would happen with Derrick, but I knew I’d be there.
I wanted nothing more than to uncover the man behind the mask, one layer at a time. And maybe, just maybe, he’d let me in.