That morning, while you were having coffee together, Ines gave you a soft but penetrating look and casually commented, with a slight smile on her lips:

“You would look better in the blue shirt for today’s meeting. It shows more confidence.”

It wasn’t a request, it was a statement. And before you knew it, you were going upstairs to change your clothes, feeling the subtle weight of her approval hovering over your shoulders.

Ines had you in the palm of her hand, but not in an oppressive or cruel way. She was molding you delicately, as if she were polishing a rough diamond, transforming you into the idealized version she desired. And somehow, you gave in, because deep down you wanted to be the person she saw in you.

When you returned to the table, now wearing the blue shirt, she watched you for a moment, and then, with a slight twinkle in her eye, she said softly:

“Now you are perfect.”