Finding Kiara Pt. 8

Kieran stood before the mirror, his breath still coming in soft waves as he took in the reflection. The silicone inserts in his bra felt like an alien weight on his chest, but it was starting to feel like a new normal. He was beginning to accept the curve of his body, the way his hips swayed a little more with each movement. The mirror reflected not Kieran, but Kiara—a name that was starting to settle into his mind, though the journey had barely begun. Today was a big day. Tomorrow was the board meeting, and every detail needed to be precise. Celeste was taking no chances, and neither was he.

“Alright, Kiara,” Celeste said as she stepped into the room, a warm yet firm energy about her. “Today’s outfit will reflect what you’re about to step into tomorrow. This is the moment you begin to present yourself not only as a capable leader but as someone who commands respect and confidence. Now, let’s get you dressed.”

Kieran nodded, a sense of determination settling in his chest. This was the day he would push through, the day he would fully embody Kiara. He stepped forward, ready to take on whatever Celeste threw at him.

Celeste pulled out the shapewear first, a sleek black piece that would contour and sculpt his body into the shape they wanted. “This is your first time wearing real shapewear,” she said, handing it to Kieran. “It’s not just for smoothing things out; it’s going to create the right silhouette. It’s important that you learn to wear it properly, especially today, when everything needs to be flawless.”

Kieran held the shapewear in his hands, unsure of what to expect. It was firm and held its shape, unlike the softer padding he’d worn before. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it certainly felt like it was reshaping him. He stepped into it slowly, guided by Celeste’s hands. As he pulled it up, he could feel his waist being cinched, his stomach smoothed, and his thighs compressed. It was an odd feeling—tight but secure.

“It’s a bit restrictive, but you’ll get used to it,” Celeste said, watching as Kieran adjusted it carefully. “Kiara’s silhouette needs to be smooth—no bumps, no imperfections. You need to feel like everything is being held in place. Confidence comes from feeling secure in your body.”

Kieran glanced at the mirror, already feeling different. The shapewear made his body look leaner, more feminine, more tailored. He stood a little straighter, noticing how the material seemed to flatten his stomach and lift his rear. He had to admit, it felt like a transformation.

“Alright,” Celeste said, her eyes shining with approval. “Now, let’s get the skirt on.”

She handed Kieran a sleek, pencil skirt—tight enough to hug the curves of his body but with enough give to be comfortable. It was professional, elegant, and most importantly, it would add to Kiara’s commanding presence.

Kieran hesitated for a moment as he examined it. It was a far cry from the casual outfits he was used to, but he could already see how it would shape his image.

“Put it on, Kiara,” Celeste urged, her voice full of confidence. “This is about more than just dressing up. This is about taking command of your space. Feel the fabric against your skin and own it.”

Kieran stepped into the skirt slowly, adjusting it as he pulled it up his legs. The fit was snug, but it felt right, as though everything was aligning into place. He could feel the way it clung to his waist and hips, accentuating them. He pulled the zipper up at the back, smoothing the fabric over his hips.

“Looks good,” Celeste remarked. “Now, let’s add the stockings.”

Kieran sat down and took the delicate black stockings from Celeste, feeling the silkiness of the fabric between his fingers. The stockings were sheer with a slight sheen, perfect for this professional yet stylish look. He gently rolled them up his legs, smoothing them as they went up.

“Stockings are essential for Kiara,” Celeste explained. “They add an element of sophistication, but they also show attention to detail. Don’t rush through this. They need to go on smoothly—no wrinkles.”

Kieran took his time with the stockings, carefully rolling them up, making sure they were even and smooth. When he finished, Celeste handed him the garter straps, and he attached them to the stockings, feeling a sense of completion with each step.

“Now, the heels,” Celeste said, pulling out a sleek pair of black pumps with a pointed toe and a modest heel. “You’re going to need to get used to wearing these. Kiara wears heels 24/7, and it’s important that you walk confidently in them. Heels aren’t just for style—they change how you carry yourself.”

Kieran hesitated for a moment before slipping his feet into the shoes. The heels felt tighter than expected, but as he stood, he immediately felt the shift in his posture. His shoulders straightened, and his hips swayed slightly. It was uncomfortable at first, but after a few steps, he could feel the power they gave him.

“Good,” Celeste said, watching him walk across the room. “Now, the top.”

She handed Kieran a beige turtleneck, simple yet elegant. It was a perfect fit, and the fabric was soft to the touch. “This top is important,” Celeste said, “Kiara doesn’t need a low neckline or anything too revealing. She needs to look professional, and that means keeping it modest but still flattering.”

Kieran slipped the turtleneck over his head, the fabric clinging to his body in a way that felt feminine, but also powerful. The high neckline gave him a sense of control, and he could already tell that this outfit was going to make an impression.

As he stood before the mirror, Celeste stepped back and surveyed him. “Kiara, how do you feel?”

Kieran stared at himself in the mirror, adjusting the fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles. He felt... different. Confident. Strong.

“I feel confident,” Kieran said, trying to speak with more of Kiara’s grace and poise. “The skirt... it fits perfectly. It hugs my body in the right way. The stockings—there’s something about them that makes me feel... feminine. The heels... they make me feel taller, more powerful. And this top... it’s simple but elegant. It’s exactly what I need for tomorrow.”

Celeste smiled, her eyes full of pride. “That’s what I want to hear. Kiara doesn’t just wear clothes. She embodies them. She moves with purpose, and she owns every room she steps into.”

Kieran stood straighter, taking in the reflection once more. He could see it now—the woman he was becoming. The woman who would take the boardroom by storm.

“Alright,” Celeste said, nodding approvingly. “Now, let’s move on to the final part—your makeup.”

Kieran’s heart skipped a beat. This was it—the final step to completing Kiara. Tomorrow, Kiara would meet the board. Tomorrow, Kiara would step into the world, and Kieran would have to let her go.

“Alright, Kiara,” Celeste said, her voice firm but gentle. “We’re going for a professional, polished look today. Nothing too dramatic—your makeup needs to enhance your natural beauty, not hide it. This is about looking capable, composed, and feminine.”

Kieran nodded, his hands shaking slightly as he picked up the first product. It felt like every part of him was tense, on high alert—this wasn’t just about looking good; it was about getting everything just right. He had to get it right. Celeste was standing over him, watching every move.

“Start with your foundation,” Celeste instructed, her voice steady. “Remember, Kiara needs a smooth, even canvas. You’re not just covering blemishes—you’re creating the perfect base. Use the brush, not your fingers. Make sure you blend evenly.”

Kieran picked up the foundation brush, dipping it into the creamy product, and began dabbing it onto his face. He had done this before, but now, with the pressure of perfection hanging in the air, he was hyper-aware of every movement. He gently swiped the brush across his cheeks, forehead, and chin, blending in circular motions as Celeste had taught him.

“Blend, Kiara,” Celeste reminded him, her voice like a soft command. “You want a seamless finish. No streaks. Take your time.”

Kieran focused intently, carefully blending until the foundation melted into his skin, creating a smooth, flawless base. He could feel the weight of the product on his face, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt... like a mask of sorts—one he had to wear if he wanted to become Kiara completely.

“Next, concealer,” Celeste instructed. “You need to brighten under your eyes. Kiara’s eyes should look awake and alert. Don’t overdo it, but make sure you cover any dark circles.”

Kieran grabbed the concealer, applying it gently under his eyes, blending it in until the dark circles from last night’s restless sleep were gone. He knew this step was crucial—eyes were the windows to the soul, after all. If Kiara was going to be convincing, her eyes had to reflect confidence and alertness. He could feel his heart racing as he did his best to perfect this delicate area.

“Now, powder,” Celeste continued. “You’re going to set everything in place, Kiara. You need to make sure the foundation stays flawless and doesn’t move throughout the day. Powder gives you that polished finish.”

Kieran took the translucent powder and dusted it lightly across his face, making sure to set the areas that tended to get oily. It felt like one more layer he had to add to his appearance, but this layer was reassuring. It was another step closer to the polished, composed woman in the mirror.

“Now, your eyebrows,” Celeste said, stepping closer to him. “Kiara’s brows need to be bold but not too harsh. Natural but groomed. Brush them up first, and then use the pencil to fill in any sparse areas.”

Kieran picked up the brow pencil, his hand trembling slightly as he followed Celeste’s instructions. He was careful, filling in the natural arch of his eyebrows with soft, gentle strokes. He was amazed at how much it changed the look of his face. The brows made him look more feminine, more sharp, more alert.

“Perfect,” Celeste murmured. “Now, we move on to eyeshadow. You want something neutral, Kiara. Nothing too dramatic. Soft browns and creams. We’re not here to make a statement with color, just to enhance.”

Kieran nodded, dipping his eyeshadow brush into a neutral shade of brown and sweeping it across his eyelids. He worked carefully, following Celeste’s instructions to blend each layer seamlessly. It was starting to feel a little more natural, though the process still felt strange. The eyeshadow softened his look, gave his face more depth, but in a way that was subtle. Kiara wasn’t about making an entrance—she was about being poised, graceful, composed.

“Good, now eyeliner,” Celeste said, her voice becoming more firm. “Just a thin line along the top lashes, Kiara. No winged eyeliner—remember, you need a professional, polished look. Keep it close to the lash line.”

Kieran took the liquid eyeliner, the felt tip cool against his skin. He applied the line carefully, feeling a slight shiver run through him as he created a neat, precise line. The eyeliner was subtle, enhancing the shape of his eyes without being too bold. It was exactly what Celeste wanted—no fuss, no drama. Just clean and neat.

“Now, mascara,” Celeste said, moving back a little. “We’re going to make your lashes fuller, but don’t overdo it. Kiara’s lashes need to look natural but long.”

Kieran applied the mascara, slowly and carefully, watching as his lashes darkened and lengthened. It was one of the final touches that made Kiara look more... real. The makeup was coming together now, layer by layer, and Kieran could see it happening in the mirror.

“Lastly, blush,” Celeste said. “You need a flush of color, Kiara. Not too heavy, just enough to bring warmth to your face. Remember, a little goes a long way.”

Kieran applied the blush, a soft pink hue, across the apples of his cheeks. It was a subtle change, but it made his face look healthier, more feminine. He could feel the transformation happening with each step.

“Now, lips,” Celeste said, holding up a neutral pink lipstick. “Kiara’s lips should look soft and full. No dark colors, nothing too bold. We want to keep everything elegant and soft.”

Kieran applied the lipstick carefully, the color adding a final touch of femininity to his face. As he finished, he sat back, taking in the full effect. His face, his body—he wasn’t Kieran anymore. He was Kiara.

“Okay, Kiara,” Celeste said, her voice warm. “Stand up and look at yourself. Say your mantra.”

Kieran stood, feeling the weight of everything—his heels, his outfit, the makeup, the persona. He looked at himself in the mirror, trying to focus. He felt a flutter in his chest as he began to repeat the words.

“My name is Kiara Laurent. I am confident, graceful, and poised.”

He said it again, this time a little louder, more Kiara.

“My name is Kiara Laurent. I am confident, graceful, and poised.”

He stared at himself, at the reflection in front of him, and something inside of him wavered. The words felt like they were bouncing off the walls of his mind. The more he repeated them, the more they felt ridiculous. Was he really doing this? Was he really trying to be... her?

“My name is Kiara Laurent. I am confident, graceful, and poised. I speak with kindness, move with purpose, and dress with elegance. I know what I want, and I know how to get it.”

His voice faltered on the last sentence. It didn’t feel right. He felt ridiculous. He felt like a stranger in his own body, playing a part in a world that wasn’t his. For a moment, his mind threatened to spiral—this wasn’t who he was.

But then, he remembered his mother’s words from this morning. Her love. Her concern. The weight of the family legacy. She had told him this was necessary. She had reminded him that it wasn’t just about him; it was about the survival of his father’s work, about keeping the family afloat.

He clenched his fists, steeling himself. He had to stifle this resistance. For his family. For his father’s legacy.

And just like that, there's a creak at the doorway, and Vivienne stood there, her eyes wide as she took in the transformation. Neither Kiara or Celeste knew how long she was watching.

Kiara stood tall, her body dressed in perfection, her makeup flawless. Vivienne’s expression softened with awe.

“Kiara,” she whispered. “You look beautiful.”

Kieran—no, Kiara—felt a warmth spread through her chest. It wasn’t just about the clothes, the makeup, or the role she had to play. It was about her family. And for them, she would do this.