He Broke My Lipstick, So I Ruined His Life

This face of yours is an absolute embarrassment.

Julian grabbed the lipstick from my vanity, snapped it in half, and tossed it into the trash can.

Then, he unlocked his phone and shoved the screen right into my face.

On the screen, a girl with flawless, radiant makeup was smiling sweetly at the camera.

"Look at her! That is what a real woman looks like!"

His voice was dripping with disgust.

"And look at you. You can't even put on lipstick right."

"My lipstick is fine," I said, staring at the broken pieces in the trash.

"Fine?" He pointed at his phone. "Then do a full face right now! Lets see if you can look even half as good as her!"

I didn't say another word.

He had no idea that I was "Midnight," a beauty guru with tens of millions of followers.

And the girl on his screen, the one he couldn't stop praising, was just a student I had personally trained three years ago.

***

I reached into the trash and picked up the broken lipstick.

It was in the shade "Boyfriend Pink."

How ironic.

When we first started dating, Julian loved it when I wore this shade. He said it made me look innocent and sweet.

Three years ago, I gained over ten million followers by doing makeup transformations on average-looking people.

Because I never showed my face on camera, no one knew what I actually looked like.

Back then, I made more money in a month than Julian did in a whole year. But to protect his fragile ego, I never told him the truth.

After we got married, I stepped away from the spotlight to focus on our home. I wanted to be the supportive wife he asked for.

I thought that was love.

But now, he was pointing at my former student, telling me *she* was what a real woman looked like.

"Say something!" Julian snapped, growing impatient with my silence. "Are you mute? Or just ashamed?"

I clutched the broken lipstick in my palm. "I have nothing to say."

"Nothing to say?" He let out a harsh laugh. "Look at yourself, Eve. Youre thirty. No job, no social life, and you dont even try to look good anymore. Im embarrassed to tell people you're my wife!"

A sharp pain shot through my chest. So, he had been embarrassed of me this whole time.

"Tomorrow night is the Bloom Beauty Annual Gala."

Julian adjusted his tie, looking at me out of the corner of his eye.

"Chloe is going to be there. Shes Bloom's special guest tonight and she's currently collaborating with my company. Her future is incredibly bright."

Bloom Beauty was the biggest online beauty retailer and community hub in the country.

And Chloe Brooks was the girl on his phone screen. My former student.

"You're coming with me," he ordered.

I looked up. "Why?"

"Why?" He looked insulted by the question. "I'm doing you a favor by letting you go! Its a chance for you to get out of the house and learn how Chloe carries herself. Stop moping around like a bitter housewife."

He paused, a calculating glint in his eyes.

"Besides, you're my wife. Having you there makes me look like a stable family man."

I got it.

He didn't want me to "experience the world." He just wanted a prop to support his perfect-husband image.

"Okay. Ill go," I said quietly.

Julian blinked, surprised by how quickly I agreed.

He nodded in satisfaction. "Smart move. Dress up nicely tomorrow. Don't look like a maid. I have a reputation to protect."

With that, he grabbed his car keys and slammed the door behind him.

I slowly opened my hand, looking at the broken lipstick.

In the mirror, my bare face looked pale. There were faint lines around my eyes, and my expression was exhausted.

I walked over to the hallway and unlocked the door to the spare room at the very end.

It was a room I had strictly forbidden Julian from ever entering.

I flipped the switch, and the room flooded with bright light.

It wasn't a storage room. It was a state-of-the-art beauty studio.

Shelves lined the walls, packed with countless cosmeticsranging from limited-edition luxury brands to custom formulas I had developed myself.

In the center of the room sat a professional vanity, complete with a ring light, a high-definition camera, and a studio microphone.

For the past three years, this room had been my only sanctuary.

I walked over to a glass cabinet and pulled out a velvet box. Inside was a lipstick.

It was the signature shade of my personal brand, *Midnight Beauty*, which I had been about to launch three years ago. The shade was called "The Queen."

But for Julian, I had personally shut down the entire project.

My phone buzzed.

It was a text from my assistant, Penny.

Even though I had stepped back, Penny had stayed with me to handle my old contracts and brand inquiries.

Penny: *[Eve, your invitation to the Bloom Gala is confirmed as the VIP Mystery Guest. Are you sure you want to go?]*

I replied: *[I'm going.]*

---

### Chapter 2

The next evening, Julian came home.

He had changed into a brand-new designer suit, looking exceptionally sharp and energized.

When he saw me, his eyes swept over me, and his brow instantly furrowed.

I was wearing a simple, elegant cream silk dress with very light, natural makeup.

"You're wearing *that*?" His disgust was painfully obvious.

"Is something wrong with it?" I asked.

"It's so basic!" he sneered. "Whatever, I guess thats the best you can do. Just remember, once we get to the venue, keep your mouth shut, smile, and stay close to me. Don't embarrass me."

I nodded and said nothing.

On the drive to the venue, Julian was on his phone the entire time.

"Chloe, hey! Where are you? Don't worry, take your time. I'm almost there."

"Your makeup tonight is going to steal the show! I personally reviewed the concept, didn't I?"

"Haha, of course. My taste is always flawless."

He hung up, whistling happily. Then he glanced at me, as if suddenly remembering something.

"Oh, by the way. Be on your best behavior when you see my mom tonight."

"Your mom is going to be there?" I was surprised.

"Of course. Shes attending as the mother of a prominent guest." Julian smirked. "Shes been dying to meet Chloe. Shes already a huge fan of her."

My heart sank a little lower.

His mother, Eleanor Vance, had treated me like garbage since the day I married Julian.

Our car pulled up at the entrance of the luxury hotel.

I took a deep breath and opened the door myself.

As soon as I stepped out, a sweet, high-pitched voice echoed nearby.

"Julian! You're finally here!"

Chloe, wearing a stunning gown and heavy, glittering makeup, ran over and wrapped her arm tightly around Julians.

I recognized her makeup instantly.

It was the "Starry Sunset" look I had created and popularized two years ago.

If I recalled correctly, the theme of tonight's Bloom Gala was "Original Beauty."

Yet, she had copied my look step-for-step.

"Julian, look at my makeup. Do you like it?"

"Gorgeous! Absolutely stunning!" Julian's eyes lit up. He showered her with praise. "Chloe, you are a natural star!"

Just then, Eleanor walked over.

She was wearing a custom Chanel-style tweed suit and a massive pearl necklace, looking every bit the snobbish matriarch.

"Oh, is this Chloe? What a beautiful, sweet girl!" Eleanor took Chloes hands, beaming with pride.

"Hi, Mrs. Vance!" Chloe said sweetly.

"Oh, sweetie, call me Eleanor!" Eleanor laughed. Then she turned to look at me, and her smile instantly vanished.

"You knew you were coming to a high-end gala, and you couldn't even bother to dress up?" Eleanor scoffed. "Absolutely clueless."

I ignored her and walked straight toward the entrance.

"Look at her attitude!" Eleanor shrieked behind me. "Julian, look at the woman you married!"

Julian hurried to catch up with me, grabbing my wrist and whispering angrily, "Eve, I'm warning you! Keep your head down tonight! Don't upset my mother, and don't ruin Chloe's night!"

I stopped and looked him in the eye.

"Julian, we are still married, right?"

"What's your point?"

"You should at least show your wife some basic respect in public."

Julians face flushed. Knowing it would look bad to argue in front of the cameras, he waved his hand dismissively.

"Fine, fine! Just get inside. Stop making a scene."

I entered the ballroom. It was a sea of crystal chandeliers, designer gowns, and flashing cameras.

The country's top beauty influencers, brand executives, and media figures were all mingling.

When people looked at me, they barely nodded. To them, I was just Julians quiet, plain wife.

Julian, meanwhile, was busy parading Chloe around, introducing her to every major brand representative he could find.

"This is Chloe Brooks, the rising star of my agency. Shes going to be the next big thing!"

"Mr. Davis, Chloe's engagement metrics are insane. Shes literally the next Midnight!"

Hearing the name "Midnight" come out of his mouth almost made me laugh out loud.

I found a quiet corner and sat down.

My phone buzzed. It was Penny: *[Eve, everything is ready. The VIP private suite backstage has been cleared for you.]*

I replied: *[On my way.]*

Halfway through the gala, the host walked up to the main stage.

"Good evening, everyone! Welcome to the annual Bloom Beauty Gala!"

"Tonight, besides celebrating our amazing creators, we have a very special announcement. A legendary figure is making a comeback tonight!"

---

### Chapter 3

The host's words sparked a wave of whispers across the ballroom.

"She is a legend in the beauty world, a true trendsetter."

"Three years ago, she disappeared from the internet at the peak of her career, leaving behind an unmatched legacy."

"Tonight, she is here to officially announce her return!"

The whispering grew louder.

"Who is it? Thats a massive buildup!"

"A legend from three years ago? No way... is it Midnight?"

"No way! Didn't she get married and retire?"

Sitting near my old table, I heard the gossip and let out a small smile.

Julian and Chloe heard it too.

Chloes expression turned slightly uneasy, and she glanced at Julian.

Julian just smirked. "They're just hyping things up. Some washed-up influencer trying to gain clout. If she were actually that good, she wouldn't have quit in the first place."

Eleanor chimed in, "Exactly! She probably realized she couldn't compete with our Chloe and ran away."

Chloe forced a smile. "Well, Midnight is still a big name..."

My phone buzzed again.

Penny: *[Eve, the CEO of Bloom Beauty wants to meet you backstage before you go on.]*

I stood up and quietly slipped out through the side doors.

Shortly after I left, the host announced the first award of the night.

"And the award for Rising Creator of the Year goes to... Chloe Brooks!"

The spotlight hit Chloe. She gasped dramatically, covering her mouth as Julian and Eleanor cheered and ushered her onto the stage.

"Thank you so much to Bloom, and thank you to Julian..." her voice trembled with fake tears as she began her acceptance speech.

Downstage, Julian was clapping proudly.

Meanwhile, I had already walked into the VIP backstage suite.

Miranda Frost, the sharp, forty-something CEO of Bloom Beauty, immediately stood up to greet me.

"Midnight! It is an honor to finally meet you!" She warmly shook my hand.

"Thank you, Miranda," I replied.

"We have been waiting three years for this!" Miranda said with genuine emotion. "If you hadn't retired, the beauty industry would belong to you right now."

I smiled. "It's not too late."

"Absolutely not!" Miranda agreed. "Our platform is ready to offer you our top-tier promotional package. We are fully backing your return."

"I'm not just here to make a comeback," I said, speaking slowly. "I'm also launching my personal brand."

Mirandas eyes lit up. "A brand by Midnight? That will break the internet!"

"But before that, I need a favor from you." I handed her my phone.

"What is this?" Miranda looked at the screen, her expression instantly hardening.

On the screen was a detailed comparison of Chloes videos alongside my tutorials from three years ago.

"Is this... plagiarism?" Miranda was shocked. "We specifically emphasized original looks for this gala, and she had the nerve to copy your work?"

"It gets worse," I said, swiping to the next page. "This is the confidential design concept and product list for my brand, *Midnight Beauty*, from three years ago. And this is the 'original' brand line Chloe just announced to her private subscriber group."

They weren't just similar. It was a pixel-for-pixel copy.

Mirandas face turned incredibly cold.

"Midnight, I understand. Bloom Beauty will handle this immediately."

---

### Chapter 4

Miranda called her assistant over and whispered a few sharp instructions.

By the time I walked back into the ballroom, Chloe had just finished her acceptance speech and was walking off the stage, beaming with pride.

Julian and Eleanor immediately rushed to embrace her.

"Chloe, you were incredible! I knew you'd win!" Julians face was practically glowing.

"Our Chloe is so talented!" Eleanor held her hand, smugly looking around the room.

When Chloe saw me, a flash of arrogance crossed her eyes before she quickly put on her humble act.

"Eve, you're back. I was so nervous up there, I don't think I did very well."

"You did fine," I said flatly.

My lack of reaction seemed to bore her, so she turned back to flirt with Julian.

As the night went on, the energy in the room reached its peak.

Finally, it was time for the mystery guest.

"And now, please give a warm welcome to our special mystery guest!"

The house lights dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight focused on the center stage elevator.

The music swelled.

Everyone held their breath.

I saw Julian cross his arms, a smirk on his face. Chloe was nervously clutching her gown.

The stage elevator slowly rose.

Through the theatrical fog, a figure in a stunning black velvet gown appeared.

When she turned around to face the crowd

The room fell into dead silence.

And then, the crowd erupted into deafening screams and applause!

"Its Midnight! Oh my god, its actually her!"

"I must be dreaming! Shes really back!"

"The Queen is back!"

I stood in the shadows backstage, watching the monitor.

The woman on stage wasn't actually me. She was a professional model I had hired, someone with a very similar build to mine. Since I had never revealed my face online, no one knew the difference.

Down in the crowd, Julian had completely frozen.

His mouth hung open, his eyes wide with utter shock.

He pointed at the stage, stammering to Chloe, "How... how is she..."

Chloes face was completely white, stripped of all color.

Eleanor looked around, totally confused. "Who is that? Why is everyone acting like they've lost their minds?"

"Midnight... that's Midnight," Julian whispered, paralyzed.

On stage, the model playing "Midnight" held the microphone. Her voice was slightly modulated to sound mysterious.

"Hello, everyone. I am Midnight."

"And I'm back."

Those simple words sent another wave of cheers through the crowd.

"I returned tonight for two reasons."

"First, my personal brand, *Midnight Beauty*, officially launches tonight."

"And second..." The model paused. "I am here to clean house."

A collective gasp echoed through the room.

Suddenly, the massive screens behind her flared to life.

On the left was a close-up of Chloe's "Starry Sunset" makeup from tonight.

On the right was my tutorial video from three years ago.

The screen compared them frame-by-frame, detail-by-detail.

They were identical.

Chloes face went from pale to a deep, embarrassed red, and then to a hollow gray.

Julian looked like he had been slapped. He stared at the screen, then at the trembling Chloe beside him.

The "original genius" he was so proud of was nothing but a cheap thief.

But the screens weren't finished.

The next slide appeared.

On the left were Chloes "original" brand designs.

On the right were my confidential, copyrighted *Midnight Beauty* files from three years ago.

The atmosphere in the room shifted from shock to pure disgust and anger.

"Oh my god, that is blatant theft!"

"How embarrassing! She even stole unreleased designs!"

"How did she win an award? What was Bloom thinking?"

Julians pride, the star creator he had bragged about, was a fraud. And by association, Julian had become the biggest joke in the room.

"Chloe Brooks," the model on stage called out her name.

"Three years ago, you were just a clueless assistant who couldn't even blend foundation."

"You told me you loved makeup and begged me to teach you."

"Because I saw your dedication, I taught you everything I knew. My techniques, my secrets, without holding anything back."

"I treated you like a student, like a sister."