Chapter 21: New Face

Anna held her breath, her heartbeat slowing as anticipation settled deep in her chest. Today was the day—the final bandages would come off, revealing the results of the reconstructive surgery she had undergone weeks ago.

During her recovery, William had only visited a handful of times. Truthfully, she was somewhat grateful for his packed schedule keeping him away.

Every time he entered her room, the rich, woody scent of his cologne mixed with the raw intensity of his presence, making her head swim. She would catch herself drifting, words slipping from her grasp, her mind momentarily forgetting how to function.

And then there was that question—the one he had left lingering in the air after feeding her that chocolate candy. A simple question, yet it clung to her consciousness like a shadow, refusing to let go. No matter how many times she tried to think of an answer, the memory of his warm, deliberate touch always sent her thoughts spiraling in the wrong direction.

"Well, the swelling has completely subsided," Dr. Samuel Walters remarked, carefully withdrawing his hands from her face as he leaned back, scribbling a few notes into her chart. "Any remaining marks are minimal and can be easily concealed with makeup."

He offered her a reassuring smile. "Just continue using the healing masks every morning to improve circulation, but other than that—you’re ready to present your new face to the world."

His words settled over her like a weight she hadn’t yet prepared to carry.

Dr. Walters gave her shoulder a light, encouraging pat. She forced a small smile and nodded in response.

"I have a few more patients to see," he added, stepping back. "But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me."

"Thank you, Dr. Samuel," Anna said with a small smile.

"You’re absolutely welcome."

With a brief nod to Daniel, the doctor exited the room, leaving behind a silence so thick it was almost suffocating.

Anna hesitated before speaking, her blank eyes shifting slightly as if trying to locate William’s assistant in the quiet space. She still couldn’t see, but she desperately needed some kind of reassurance—something to anchor her to this new reality.

"Well," she began cautiously, fingers twitching against the sheets. "What do you think?"

Daniel stiffened, awkwardly scratching the back of his head. He knew this moment was important, but the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his already exhausted shoulders. William had sent him in his place, tied up with meetings he couldn’t afford to miss. And now, Daniel was the one expected to deliver the final verdict on Anna’s transformation.

He swallowed hard before finally answering. "You look... stunningly beautiful." His voice was steady, but he cleared his throat with a quick cough.

It wasn’t a lie—she did look incredible. But it wasn’t as though she had been unattractive before. The change was just... unsettling. A completely new face. A different woman staring back. And if it felt strange for him to witness, he could only imagine how disoriented she would feel once she was able to see herself again.

Anna exhaled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing. It was still an uncanny feeling—knowing she had an entirely new face yet still unable to see it.

So she did the only thing she could.

Her fingers lifted hesitantly, brushing over the unfamiliar contours of her face. The shape of her jawline was different—sharper, more defined. Her fingertips traced the smooth expanse of her cheekbones, the soft skin stretched elegantly over the new angles.

It felt like a stranger’s face.

And yet, it was hers.

As her fingers traveled higher, she noticed how much her face had changed. Now that the swelling had completely subsided, the contours were sharper, more refined. Her once softer features had given way to high, sculpted cheekbones that held an air of elegance and precision.

Her lips, still full and pouty, had undergone subtle alterations as well. As she traced their shape, she realized they had been reshaped—perhaps to complement the striking sharpness of her new features.

"Your eyelids were slightly lifted too," Daniel added, watching her hands hesitate near her eyes. "It makes your eyes look bigger, but still in harmony with the rest of your face."

Anna let her fingers fall back to her lap, exhaling softly as she perched on the edge of her bed. "Thank you, Mr. Reid," she murmured, her voice composed but distant.

Her thoughts drifted.

I wonder who chose this face for me... Was it the doctor?

As a renowned specialist, he must have known exactly how to craft a face—altering it just enough to make someone unrecognizable while still ensuring they remained beautiful.

Or...

Her breath hitched.

"Or was my face shaped to match William’s preferences...?"

The words escaped her lips in a hushed whisper, barely meant for herself.

Yet, Daniel heard them.

His entire body stiffened, his expression betraying a flicker of unease. "Anna, that’s not really—"

"Never mind," she cut him off, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her voice. "It doesn’t matter, does it? This is the face I need for the plan to work. There are women who would kill for the chance to be called ’stunningly beautiful,’ to have their looks altered into perfection. And me? I got it all for free."

She let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head.

"I shouldn’t waste time on silly thoughts. I should just move on."

Daniel exhaled softly but chose not to press the matter further. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "Yes, well... your corneal transplant operation will take place in France. Afterward, you’ll remain there for recovery, rehabilitation, and a refresher on art history. You’ll also start establishing connections with secret buyers and art dealers."

He paused, waiting for a reaction. When none came, he continued.

"Mr. Stark’s team will be there to assist you with everything you need, including language training and accent refinement."

Anna absorbed his words in silence before finally asking, her tone edged with impatience, "When are we leaving for France?"

Daniel’s answer landed like a splash of cold water against her chest.

"In two days. Our legal team is finalizing the paperwork."

"Ah, my new identity," she muttered, lowering her head. "And it’s so soon..."

She had known this moment would come, had even longed for it. The sooner she left, the sooner she could begin executing her revenge. And yet... the weight of leaving settled uncomfortably within her. She hadn’t traveled in years, and now, the thought of being away for so long pressed against her ribs, filling her with a strange, unexpected ache. Nostalgia coated her tongue like an invisible film, bitter and inescapable.

Sensing her unease, Daniel spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "Before you leave, is there something you’d like to do here one last time?"

Anna’s head snapped up, her lips twitching as if struggling to contain an eager smile.

"Yes. There’s a place I really want to visit."

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