How to Tame My Beastly Husband

How to Tame My Beastly Husband — Chapter 201. New Charm

Navy blue with crimson really was perfect for Raphael. Though Annette wondered if such dark colors would suit her, she didn’t really care. She understood who would be the center of attention today.

Raphael had trained even in the rain. Every day, he went out at the same time in his training clothes, and only returned when he had completed his exercises. It sounded like a simple accomplishment, but it was difficult to keep such a strenuous routine day after day. His direct, solemn gaze reflected the seriousness with which he wielded his sword.

He deserved to be recognized for what he had done.

Tina’s assistants were busily preparing him for it, and Annette smiled to herself at the thought of his unease, to be at the center of their attention.

The creature from the hothouse had become an entirely new kind of butterfly.

“Is that…me?” Annette said, staring at herself in the mirror. It was a cliche, the romantic staple of a heroine in the books she sometimes read, but she had never dreamed of standing in their place herself.

And she was not exaggerating.

“Platinum hair looks good on you, doesn’t it?” Tina asked eagerly. She looked much more exhausted than she had been when she arrived a few hours before. Tina had applied a silver powder to Annette’s hair that gave it a subtle shimmer every time she moved, and the designer beamed as she surveyed the effect.

“The dress is so dramatic, it calls for cooler tones rather than warm ones,” she explained. “I also did your makeup in cooler shades. What do you think?”

“It doesn’t look like me,” Annette said. Her usual palette was the colors of spring, warm colors and creamy tones. But now she could be nothing but starkest winter.

The dark blue bleached the cream from Annette’s skin, and though the colors did not originally seem to suit her, the crimson darkened the color of her eyes and allowed for a much darker red on her lips. The navy blue gown with its plunging back made her look as if she had stepped out of a fantasy.

“You look so beautiful,” Tina said, tears welling as she contemplated her masterpiece. “You have become a splendid woman, my lady.”

Before, Annette had looked like a little girl’s dream of a princess. Now she had become a proper noblewoman, a charming lady that other women would envy.

“Thank you,” said Annette, squeezing Tina’s hand. “You are an amazing designer.”

Annette had always been one who could win hearts with a single word, and Tina was deeply moved.

“It must have been such hard work,” Annette went on, brushing her hand over the lining of the gown.

“I can work miracles,” Tina said, opening the door. The time had come for the rest of Deltium to appreciate Annette’s new charms. “The Marquis will be waiting for you in the foyer.”

Tina’s smile widened as she watched Annette’s back. She was sure the lady would knock Raphael’s eyes out, and maybe then he would appreciate the skills of the amazing designer he had hired.

Next time, he would find himself walking out the door in pink.

Tina’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling brilliantly.

In the front entry of the house, Raphael felt an inexplicable prickle of alarm.