Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"Okay, okay, I won't say another word," Mrs. Lafond said, amused by her

daughter's speechless expression. She focused on doing Romina's makeup with

care.

Once finished, she stepped back to admire her work and beamed. "You look stunning. With makeup, you're even more gorgeous-like a fairy."

Romina glanced at her reflection. "You should've said I look like a fairy without makeup too. Now it sounds like my beauty relies on makeup."

Her mother laughed. "My daughter is a fairy with or without makeup. You could charm a truckload of men."

"What jewelry are you wearing

any jewelry. My elegance is natural—I don't need any of that gaudy stuff.” Romina opened the drawer of her vanity, took out a small box, and pulled out a delicate pair of earrings and a minimalist necklace. She put both

wear those same pieces to every banquet," Mrs. Lafond complained. "That necklace is tiny and plain, and those earrings are nothing special. You have so much jewelry. What's the point of keeping it

have been showering you with jewelry for every birthday and holiday. I even organized a

I'm not even married. Where would I get a daughter to pass them down to? Maybe I'll never get married or have kids. I have nieces and nephews-I'll gift the jewelry to my niece when she gets married. I like looking at the pieces, but I don't enjoy wearing them.

had never been into

work. Her style was always clean

given up

preferences. Romina just

making money. The Lafond family was