Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Tiffany froze. Y-Yeah. That’s my line. So, what should I say now?

“I don’t need your apology. If you like Frank, you can woo him. But I’d advise you not to mess with me, or else you’d be sorry. I can tell you that my ways of getting revenge are much crueler than Frank’s.” Elspeth smiled and turned to Frank. “Let’s go. We have a wine tasting to attend.”

Frank nodded and left with Elspeth, leaving Tiffany feeling humiliated and furious.

The wine tasting was held in a villa’s backyard belonging to a mysterious wealthy man, and only the city’s finest were invited. Frank was very famous in Blaydal, and everyone thought highly of him. This was their first time seeing him with a woman. And more importantly, the woman was a beautiful one, and she resembled Frank.

Those who knew of Elspeth pointed at her, whispering, “I know her. She’s the Jonesons’ granddaughter. She was lost when born. Grew up in a small town, so she’s not of prestige.”

“I see. I thought she was a rich lady. Though, she seems noble enough.”

“Probably just a pretense.”

The conversation failed to escape Elspeth, and she shot the two of them a warning look. The guests felt a shudder run down their spines, and they clamped their mouths shut immediately.

The wine tasting began a moment later, and glasses of wine were laid out on the table, glimmering beautifully. The host walked onto the stage and announced, “Anyone who can name these drinks correctly wins the prize.”

The guests exchanged a look, but none moved. There were about a dozen glasses of wine on the table, and no mouthwash was provided. It seemed simple enough to taste and identify the wines, but it was a challenge in reality. Unless the taster had a great tongue, their taste buds would be fooled by the mixture of all the drinks they had.

Ten minutes went by, but there were still no volunteers. They didn’t want that antique glass anyway, and none of the guests wanted to embarrass themselves, so they only watched quietly. Frank eventually took the challenge, but he made a wrong guess for the last glass of wine.

He came back looking dejected, and Elspeth smiled. “You really want that glass, huh?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I’ve been collecting them, and that’s the last one of its series. It’d be a pity if I couldn’t get all of them.”

the other guests nearby, but he came over upon noticing Frank’s dour mood and patted his shoulder.

at him like he was an idiot. “Why would you want to pay for it when

only smiled as he replied, “It’s not a

that.

up at that.

but I have a

it.

you about my terms when the time comes. But for now, I’ll hold on to that favor first.” With that, she approached

for the

nodded in

final drink,

but that’s the

wrong too? The light in Frank’s

shook her head, smiling.

am an internationally famous sommelier hired

believe Elspeth was challenging the sommelier,

her! That bumpkin

can’t believe it! She’s already lucky enough she was

just chase her off.

was internationally famous? Elspeth eyed the sommelier up and down before commenting, “Really? But I’ve never heard

know you’re upset, but please do not