**Diary Entry**
From childhood, Lottie knew she was prettyeveryone said so.
«Our little girl is such a beauty, stands out among the rest,» her mother would happily tell colleagues and friends.
And truly, everyone agreed. Except for the neighbour, who muttered sceptically, «All children are pretty. Its when they grow up that some lose their charm.»
By secondary school, Lottie had blossomed into a tall, striking young womanspoilt and haughty, used to getting her way, especially with boys who stared after her with longing.
After school, she didnt make it into university, despite dreaming of higher education. Instead, she settled for college, earning a diploma in retail management.
«Darling,» her mother said, «why dont I get you a job at the factory lab? Its easy workno heavy lifting, and youre far too delicate for anything rough.»
«But what about my diploma?»
«Oh, who works in their field these days? And why would you want to bother with retail?» So it was settled. Lottie became a lab technician.
By then, she was even more beautifuland knew it. She fell for Edward, an engineer from another department. Their romance burned fast and bright, and soon he proposed.
«Before someone snatches you away, marry me,» he said with a smile. «Will you?»
«I will,» she beamed.
The wedding was standard for the timeheld in the factory canteen, modest but crowded. Soon after, Lottie discovered she was pregnant.
«Edward, were going to have a baby,» she told him.
«Thats wonderful, Lottie,» he said, embracing her.
Their daughter, Sophie, was bornjust as pretty as her mother. For a while, they were happy.
But after maternity leave, Lottie changednot in looks, but in attitude. She acted like a queen, belittling Edward more each day. He bore it, doting on Sophie, walking her to nursery, reading bedtime stories.
Lottie, meanwhile, stayed late at workthough Edward knew the lab wasnt that busy. He never confronted her, not wanting Sophie to hear their fights.
«Edward, your wife was seen dining with the lead engineer,» colleagues whispered. He just lowered his eyes.
«Edward, why marry a beauty?» friends teased. «You know a pretty cake wont stay on one plate forever.»
It was no secretLottie moved in high circles now, far above a simple engineer like him. She was seeing Anthony, a ministry official, who spoiled her with jewellery and designer things.
Edward became a quiet, beaten-down man, handling all the chores while Lottie issued orders: *Help Sophie with homework. Buy groceries. Clean.* Divorce never crossed his mindhe couldnt hurt Sophie.
Then came the political upheavals. Anthonys position crumbled, and so did he.
«Lottie, if anyone asks about me, say nothing,» he warned. «I dont think well meet again.»
He vanishedarrested. Then Lottie was summoned, detained, questioned. She wept, swore she knew nothing, and was eventually releasedbut her reputation was ruined.
She returned home feeling filthy, as if shed been swimming in sewage. Everything was gone. Edward had sold half their belongings to support her during the ordeal. The factory sacked her. He stayedfor Sophies sakebut they lived like strangers.
Once, he nearly left, but feared hurting Sophie. Lottie, sensing it, swallowed her pride.
«Edward, dont go. Forgive meit wont happen again.»
He stayed but wouldnt touch her. «You slept with others.»
«I did it for us,» she insisted.
Soon, she strayed againthis time with a young assistant, Tom. Business was good now; shed borrowed money, leased a stall selling souvenirs, then opened shops.
«Edward, meet me at the airportIm flying to France for stock,» she ordered. «Quit your job, help me.»
«No. Im no businessman.»
«I need a mans strength.»
«Plenty of unemployed blokes around,» he said flatly.
So Tom became her lover and partner. Edward knew but said little.
«If you paid me attention, I wouldnt need him,» she snapped.
«You disgust me,» he replied.
Years passed. Sophie grew up, married, moved to Scotland. New Year cameLottie flew to China; Edward celebrated in Norway with friends.
When they returned, Edward stared. «Lottiewhats happened? You look younger!»
She didno wrinkles, her figure restored.
«How much did that cost?»
She laughed, then sobered. «Everything. Absolutely everything.» She showed her bare fingers, emptied her purse. «Chinese magicmassages, acupuncture. Very expensive.»
She wouldnt agenot with Tom around.
«Youre old. Look at me,» she taunted Edward.
«Were the same age!»
She just laughed.
But the money dwindled. Then Edward had a heart attack. He came home frail, unable to work.
Lottie glanced at him, then the mirror. «God, is that what Id look like?»
«Lottie, stay with me,» he sometimes begged.
«I cant. Time is money.»
One day, Tom met her at the shop with a folder.
«Read this.»
«What is it? Ive no time»
«Its simple. I own everything now. Youre done.»
The lawyer confirmed it. «Im sorry, Lottie. The paperwork is flawless. You signed it all.»
«But I thought it was temporary!»
«Shouldve read it properlyor hired me sooner.»
«Youre too expensive.»
«Then dont complain.»
Defeated, she went home, scheming.
«I need money. A lot.»
«Lottie, what about the business?» Edward asked weakly.
«Gone. But I need cash.»
«Weve nothing left.»
«The flat, then.»
«Nonot that!»
«Well sell it, buy something cheaper. Youll get a computerlive virtually.»
She laughed.
Lottie was sure shed rise again, like a phoenix.
**Lesson:** Beauty fades, but arrogance lingersand neither pays the bills.
