When it came she could finally remove the prosthetic scar, and she can show Lucas her true face. She had not thought of his reaction when she revealed her true face to him, but she was tired of living in shame.

She was turning eighteen soon, and like all the other girls, she wanted to look beautiful. She had never hoped to look beautiful before, and no matter what she did, everyone saw her as the ugly duckling.

Once she turned eighteen, a new life awaited her.

Ordinary people would never understand her dream of wanting to lead an ordinary life free from all the gossip and cold looks from others about her face.

Lucas studied her face for a few moments, before nodding. "What kind of birthday present do you want?"

She shook her head. "I want you to spend it with me, but it's not because I want a present from you. I just want to tell you a secret."

"Is it the same secret you mentioned the last time?"

She nodded. "Yes. I want you to be the first to know, because..." She paused, real