Fake Beauty
No way! Youre telling me youve actually split up? I just cant believe it! Hannah stared at her friend with such disbelief that he squirmed on the spot. Her eyes were wide as saucers, eyebrows arched nearly to her hairline, and her mouth hung open, as if the news simply couldnt be true. You were absolutely besotted with Emma! I always used you two as the perfect example Honestly, I dreamed about having a relationship like yours!
Im afraid its very real, Han, Ben muttered, gazing out the window. A storm raged outside, rain pelting the glass in icy sheets, running down in rivulets and splintering into smaller dropletsmirroring precisely the mess of his mood. Ben felt utterly hollow. The ache from five lost years wouldnt let him go, painting the world outside a dreary grey. There was an emptiness in his chest that used to be filled with fond glances, soft embraces, and shared hopes for the future. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, struggling to keep his voice steady as he went on, Its over, you know? Over
But why? Hannah pressed, scooting forward and searching his face. Emma waited six months for you to get back from that work trip! She was loyalnever looked twice at anyone else, never took gifts or drinks
How would you know all that? Youre in a completely different city, Ben replied with a wry, tired smile. Or is that classic girl-code?
Well, yes, I do live a couple of hundred miles from your Emma, Hannah shot back, unoffended, folding her arms and fixing him with a look full of both mischief and worry. But loads of my London friends kept an eye out for her. I know she really started looking after herself in that time, though I only know the basicsshe changed her hair, started going to the gym, swapped out her whole wardrobe. And all while you were gone, mind. She put in the effort, Ben.
That! Thats exactly why we broke up! Ben almost sprinted to the hallway where hed left his phone in his coat. His movements were sharp and a bit erratic, as if he wanted to outrun his own thoughts. He rummaged through his pockets, finally grabbed his mobile, and strode back to Hannah. Just one photo, Han, and youll get half the horror.
Of course I remember what Emma looked like before you left, Hannah sighed, rolling her eyes but her voice faltered a little as she summoned up Emmas image. Such a sweetheart. Long, straight, fair hair right to the middle of her back, giant blue eyes, lovely little nose Nice figure! And, honestly, that smaller bust never bothered you, did it?
Exactly! I liked everything about her, Ben snapped, but his words crumpled into a harsh whisper. He clenched his phone, glare fierce. She was perfect to me. I loved her exactly as she was. But as soon as Id gone, her silly friends filled her head with nonsense. Told her Id leave unless she changed. And she she bought every word. Started morphing, not because she wanted to, but because they made her believe I wouldnt love her otherwise.
So its really that bad? Hannah asked, her anxiety brewing hot in her chest. She gripped the arm of her chair, brow knit, trying to imagine the scale of the transformation.
Just look! Ben thrust the phone at her, nearly pushing the screen into her lap.
Staring back from the photo was someone Hannah barely recognised as Emma. The thick, beautiful hair Emma always treasured was now shorn, cut ruthlessly short and dyed a brash, platinum blonde. The cropped style showed off her neck and ears, but instead of graceful, shed become almost severe, losing all the softness she once had. The lips looked professionally filledbut the effect was quite unnatural, almost cartoonish, and completely at odds with her delicate features.
Emma had shed a good stone in weightand the result wasnt what shed expected at all. Instead of slimness, there was frailty: protruding collarbones, ribs showing, arms thinner than before and nearly fragile. Her skin looked pale, nearly translucent, with dark rings under her eyes as if she hadnt slept for days. Worst of all, in Bens viewshed had her breasts enhanced, when such a thought would once have never crossed her mind. Shed known exactly how Ben felt; hed always said he valued natural beauty and didnt get the urge to alter things radically.
The day she came to the airport to fetch meI nearly kept on walking, Bens voice trembled with pent-up emotion. He spun round, punched the wall, then winced, shaking his hand in pain, trying to forget the sting. How could you do that to yourself in six months? How?! Why didnt she think about the fact I loved her as she was? I didnt want any of this
He could barely keep still. He paced, arms waving in wide sweeps, stopping now and then like a caged animal before marching on. His face flushed with anger, then turned deathly pale. He squeezed his hands into fists, then rubbed his face, as if to erase it all from existence.
Hannah understood. She was the one hed rung endlessly to rant about his nightmare of a boss, the six-month stint in Manchester, and how much he dreaded leaving Emma behindfinal year at uni, exams looming, and the office needing him in person. Hed called Emma every night, made sure she knew he missed her. And now, faced with this stranger, it was as if everything had changed.
Maybe she just wanted to please you? Hannah ventured gently, rising and moving closer. Maybe someone told her youd like the changes, that youd be pleased
Ben gave a bitter laugh, shaking his head.
Please me? All she did was lose herself! I loved the real Emma. Now… now I dont even recognise the person in front of me.
Ben was most unsettled by Emmas refusal to video call while he was away. Every time Ben suggested FaceTime, shed softly say no, smiling and promising a surprise that would knock him dead. The words sounded sweet, but Ben sensed something offshe was clearly avoiding his calls on purpose. He even started to suspect shed found someone else and didnt want to end it over the phone. The thought gnawed at him; he just couldnt shake it.
In the end, Ben couldnt take it anymore and asked a mate, who lived near Emma, to subtly find out what was going on. His friend did some gentle digging, chatted to mutual acquaintances, kept an eye out, and reported back.
Shes definitely working on a surprise, his mate said down the phone in a strange, cautious tone. I just dont know if itll be your kind of surprise. One things sureyoull be shocked. And, look, theres no one else. She talks about you all the time, worries when youre back.
That calmed Ben, at least a little. He breathed easier, raked a hand through his hair, and even smiled. No point getting worked up over the surpriseit might be nothing. The main thing was, his Emma wasnt cheating. The thought that she genuinely missed him soothed the ache, made him feel less alone.
Looking back, Ben wishes he hadnt refused the photo his friend offered. Hed simply said, No, let it be a surprise! Had he taken the warning, maybe he couldve talked her out of such drastic changeshed have quit his job that evening and driven straight back. But it was too late.
On the day of his return, Ben was so anxious he could barely sit still. He kept checking his watch, tapping restless fingers on the seat in the plane, fiddling with his coat hem in the taxi. His hands were clammy, his heart pounding in his ribs. In his minds eye, he saw her waiting outside Arrivalsher face, her smile, the little wave. Saw her running up to throw her arms around him, breathing in the scent of her hair. As he pictured them back home, making tea, curled on the sofa and trading stories about the long months apart, he almost managed to convince himself nothing had changed.
But reality was far harsher. The moment Ben spotted Emma at the airport exit, he stopped dead still. The woman facing him was so changed, so unrecognisable, that he genuinely wondered if hed made a mistake. He blinked, dazed, fighting to process what he saw as a cold weight ached in his chest.
Ben! Ive missed you so much! Emma flung herself forward, arms wide for a hug, but Ben took a step back. Her smile faltered, uncertainty and hurt flickering in her eyes and her arms hanging awkwardly. She froze, confused by his coldness.
Whats wrong? Its me! Or was the surprise just too overwhelming? Hope and anxiety mingled in her voice. She tilted her head, searching his face, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Im just looking and trying to figure out what happened to the girl I loved, Ben said, distant and numb. He felt the emotions boiling within, screamed to let loose, but the crowded terminal and all the gawping strangers forced him to rein it in. He took another step back. Are you ill? Have you lost your mind? Wheres your beautiful hair? What happened to your lovely figure? You always looked so naturally gorgeous
You mean I was fat, is that it? she retorted, wounded, lips quivering, tears brimming in her eyes. Her fists clenched and unclenched as she tried valiantly to hold herself together. Her friends, probably there for moral backup, sniggered in the corner, making Emma wince with shame and pain.
Oh, go on, you dont have to spare my feelings. I know Id let myself go, she forced herself to say, voice trembling in defiance. But now you wont be embarrassed to be seen out with me! Im modern, stylishisnt this better than before?
And who says I want to go anywhere with you at all? Bens voice turned harsh, disappointment plain. He shook his head, the hurt in his eyes unmistakable. Youve gone from a beautiful woman to to this! I loved the real you, now I dont know whos standing here. You could have at least talked to me about it! We always discussed everything, shared our thoughts. Why didnt you ask what I wanted?
Oh, Ben, come on, shes good enough for the cover of Vogue now! piped up one of the friends, stepping forward with a proud smirk, even giving Emmas shoulder a squeeze as if shed won a prize. You wouldnt believe the number of blokes wanting to chat her up these days! Especially after her little makeover! She gave Emmas enhanced bust a pointed glance. You ought to be chuffed! She did it all for you!
But Ben spun on her, frustration stamped across his face.
No, not for me, for herself and her own mates! He looked back to Emma, the pain and anger in his eyes almost unbearable. The words came out sharper than he realised, but he couldnt help it. Dont make me the villain in this disaster!
He moved closer, lowering his voice so only Emma and Hannah could hear, a raw despair lacing his words.
Emma, you knew how I felt. Ive always said I value natural beautywhat youve done to yourself is nothing like what I love. You were gorgeous before. Now its all fake. Like youre someone else entirely.
He stopped, breathing heavily, then more quietly, but with finality:
For months I planned to come home, ask you to marry meeven bought a ring. You, me, a future together. But sorry, I dont want a life with a doll.
Emma went ashen. Tears spilled down her cheeks, she gasped, tried to speakwords caught in her throat. Her hands dropped to her sides and she stepped forward, wanting to stop him, to say it could all be fixed.
Ben, please! I didnt mean to I thought it would be better for us! I wanted you to be proud
But Ben had already turned and walked away. His pace was brisk, barely dodging the crowd, not daring to look back. Inside, pain, frustration and grief all crashed together, nothing at all like hed imagined coming home.
Emma called after him in a broken voice, tried to run, but her friends caught her with gentle arms.
Let him go! one said loudly, hugging Emma close. Whats got into you? Hes just shocked, thats all.
Exactly, confirmed the other, pretending wisdom. Hell come begging for forgiveness soon enough, just you watch! Hold your head high. Youre gorgeous nowevery head turns. You can do so much better.
Emma heard them, but their words washed through her unheard. She watched Ben disappear, mascara streaking her face, tears rolling unchecked. And inside, there was only an aching emptinessa realisation that, trying to be more, shed lost what truly mattered.
I was really going to propose, you know, Ben finished bleakly as he told Hannah the story. Covering his face with trembling hands, his whole body shook with the effort of containing the pain. I imagined it a hundred ways Would she laugh? Throw her arms around me? Make plans for the future And the second I saw her like that I just couldnt find her anymore. It wasnt Emma.
He paused, breathing heavily, eyes red-rimmed, gazing into nothing.
Why are you lot always unhappy with the way you look? he whispered. Every day I told Emma how lovely she was. Her smile, the silly way shed doodle faces on foggy windows, her sweet habitsthey were what made her her. And she wiped it all away. As if she thought being someone else would mean Id love her more.
Do you know what hurts the most? Ben abruptly dropped his hands, his eyes shiny with unshed tears. Her friend was behind it all. She made sure we split up, Im certain.
How can you know that? Hannah moved closer, feeling a sharp pang at Bens grief. He had always been so upbeat, so surenow he was hollowed out, defeated. She reached out, squeezing his shoulder.
She told me herself, Ben spat, the veins in his neck prominent. She came round my house, said she was better for me, that her beauty was real. I nearly threw her down the stairs, honestly! He punched the arm of the chair, then ran a trembling hand through his hair.
And worst of all he dropped his voice, she thought Id snap her up, just like that. Forget Emma, forget everything between us. Well, Im not so shallow. I loved Emmaand it hurts that she let someone else have that power over her.
Hannah sat quietly, letting the silence stretch. She saw how hard it was for Ben to say these things, how heartbreak had eaten away at everything hed counted on. She desperately wanted to help, but couldnt quite find the words to reach him.
And now? Have you tried talking to Emma? Maybe you could fix this, if theres any chance left she tried, voice soft and kind, fingers squeezing his in support.
Shes happy with how she looks now, and wont change back, Ben replied with a joyless laugh. He rubbed his face, as if to clear the cloud of bad thoughts away. Emma phoned and tried to guilt-trip meHow can you leave after I waited for you six months? Ben dropped back on the sofa, hunching over as if he was carrying the weight of it all. Elbows on knees, fists pressed to his mouth. I love her. I really did love my Emma. But shes gonereplaced by someone with fake lips, thin arms, and nothing real left.
Hannah just took his hand in silent solidarity. In that small gesture, there was all the comfort she could conveyshe didnt try to offer empty words, didnt spout the usual Itll all work out. She was simply there.
She felt his fingers trembling, saw the battle he fought not to break down. His shoulders quivered, his breathing came in shaky snatches, as if he was fighting the tears.
You know, Ben said quietly, staring at the wall, we went for a walk in Hyde Park once, in autumn. The leaves were swirling everywhere, and she kept giggling because her hood kept falling off, and I kept putting it back She said, Ben, I want this to last forever. And I said, It will, love, it will. And I truly believed it
His voice broke; he was silent, choking back the tears. Ben gripped his fists tight, took a shaky breath. For a moment, Hannah thought shed break down too, so raw was his pain.
And now? Ben finally managed, his voice trembling. Now she looks in the mirror and sees a beauty. I look at her and see a stranger. How did it all go wrong? Why didnt we talk about what we wanted, really talk, before it got to this?
He couldnt hold back any longer; tears silently tracked down his cheeks. Ben made no attempt to wipe them awayhe just hunched in, quietly weeping, not as a grown man but like a child whos lost and doesnt understand why the world has to hurt. His shoulders shook, breathing ragged, hands clenching and unclenching.
Hannah shuffled closer, put an arm round his shoulders, and pulled him gently to her side, trying to share her warmth.
Youre not to blame, Ben, she said softly, keeping her voice steady. You loved her, appreciated her, supported heryou did everything you could. This wasn’t your mistake. Maybe someone elses insecurity or jealousy, maybe just bad luck. But not your fault. Dont take it on yourself.
Ben looked up at her through red, exhausted eyes. There was a haunted confusion behind them, as if none of this felt real.
What if I was wrong, though? he whispered. Maybe I shouldnt have walked awaymaybe I should have tried to understand? Maybe she was just scared Id stop loving her, that she wasnt good enough for me? Maybe she changed herself to make me happy, and I just crushed her for it?
Inside, Ben was tearing himself apartcaught between love and anger, disappointment and the faint hope that the real Emma was still there somewhere. His Emma, who drank cocoa in the mornings and laughed at his puns, who turned even rainy afternoons into adventures.
Hannah squeezed his hand, leaned in, and looked him straight in the eye.
Its okay to have boundaries, Ben. And your feelings matter. You cant force yourself to love what doesnt feel right. But if you want to try, if you want any hope of fixing thismaybe let her talk. Not for her, but for what you two shared. For the love you still havent lost. Go and have a real conversation. Ask her why she did itlisten. And then tell her what youve been through.
Ben breathed deep, wiped his tears away with his sleeve, and looked outside. The rain had finally stopped, and a soft golden light spilled across the London rooftops as the sun began to set. He watched the sky changing, as if hoping for a sign.
Maybe youre right, he said, voice barely above a whisper. But right now, I just need some time. Time to work out what I really feel. I cant just forget everything, but I dont want to lose what we had if theres any chance it could come backOutside, the last sharp drops of rain glittered on the window, turning the street into a ribbon of scattered diamonds in the dusk. Ben sat quietly, Hannahs arm still draped around his shoulders, and for a moment the world seemed to hover, suspended, caught between the ache of everything lost and the dull hope of what might still remain.
There was a gentle chime; Bens phone, forgotten between empty tea cups, lit with a message. He glanced down, thumb hovering, pulse quickeningbut he didn’t reach for it. Whatever it wasfrom Emma or from anyone elsecould wait. The silence, broken only by the quiet hum of the city, wrapped around them gently, softening the wounds, if just for a breath.
Hannah stood, stretching, and gathered the mugs. Come on, she said softly. How about a walk? Sometimes fresh air and old friends are the best medicine. Her smile wobbled but held firm.
Ben hesitated, searching her face, and managed a tentative smile. Alright, he agreed. But no judging if I cry in public.
Not unless you embarrass me by singing in the rain, she teased, and for a heartbeat, something true and light flickered between them.
Together, they pulled on coats and shoes, stepping out into the soft evening, the air sharp and clean. They walked beneath the dripping branches, past the shining lamplight and the puddle-mirrored sky, not saying much, just listening to their footsteps and the city slowly moving on.
As the clouds parted and a rim of golden light crowned the rooftops, Ben tilted his face up, letting the coolness settle over him. For all his loss, the world felt just a little more bearablea little less empty. There would be more tomorrows, and perhaps, one day, forgivenessof Emma, and of himself.
For now, there was the consolation of a friends steady hand and the wisdom of a heart battered, but not broken.
Whatever beauty waswhatever it became, whatever it meantBen promised himself he would search for honesty, for softness, for laughter that couldnt be replaced, and for love that didnt ask anyone to become a stranger.
And as they strolled on, Hannah quietly squeezed his arma silent promise that no one had to face loneliness alone.
Above them, the fading sunlight welcomed them home.
