Shopping
1837 Words
Chapter 14:
/-Skylar’s POV-/
The car ride to the mall was quiet at first, but Mel later began chatting happily in the back, talking about all the things we needed to buy for tonight’s party.
“We need to find you something that will make everyone’s jaw drop,” Mel said, leaning forward between our seats. “Something that screams ‘I’m gorgeous and I know it.’”
I laughed despite myself. “I don’t need to make anyone’s jaw drop, Mel. I just want to look nice. It’s not even my party.”
“Nice is boring,” she said with a wave of her hand. “Tonight, we’re going for stunning.”
After about twenty minutes of driving, we pulled up to pack’s mall. My breath caught in my throat when I saw it. The building was huge and modern, with glass walls that sparkled in the sunlight. There were fountains out front and beautiful gardens with flowers that looked like they were straight out of a magazine. Everywhere and everything changed over the years.
“Wow,” I whispered, staring up at the massive structure.
“Pretty impressive, right?” Mel asked as the car stopped near the entrance. “This is where all the important people shop.”
As soon as we got out of the car, a man in a crisp uniform hurried over to us. At first glance, I knew he was the valet, and he bowed slightly when he saw us.
“Good morning,” he said politely. “Welcome to Silverstone Mall. May I take your keys?”
“Thank you. We’ll be here for a few hours.”
“Of course, sir. Have a wonderful shopping experience.”
I felt a little overwhelmed by all the luxury. The inside of the mall was even more impressive than the outside. The floors were made of shiny marble, and there were crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Beautiful music played softly in the background, and everywhere I looked, there were expensive stores with names I recognized from fashion magazines.
“This place changed quite a lot.” I mumbled in shock.
“Yeah. I commend Alpha Adonis for this one. He made it possible.”
At the mention of Adonis, I frowned. I’d never admit that he did the right thing.
We started walking through the mall, looking at all the different stores. Mel was practically bouncing with excitement, pointing out dresses and shoes and jewelry that caught her eye. I tried to get caught up in her excitement , but part of me still felt distant and distracted.
“Oh, look at this place!” Mel squealed, stopping in front of a boutique called “Enchanted Elegance.” The window display showed gorgeous evening gowns that looked like they belonged on a red carpet.
We went inside, and immediately a saleswoman approached us with a bright smile.
“Good morning, ladies. How can I help you today?”
“We’re looking for party dresses,” Mel said. “Something stunning for tonight.”
The saleswoman’s eyes lit up. “Wonderful! I have some beautiful pieces that would be perfect for you.”
She led us to a section of the store where the most gorgeous dresses I had ever seen were hanging. There were long ones and short ones, sparkly ones and elegant ones, in every color imaginable.
“Try this one,” Mel said, pulling out a red dress that was shorter than anything I usually wore. “It would look amazing on you.”
I looked at the dress uncertainly. “I don’t know, Mel. It’s pretty short.”
“That’s the point,” she said with a grin. “Trust me, you’ll look incredible.”
I took the dress and went into the fitting room. When I put it on, I was surprised by how good it looked. The red color made my skin glow, and the cut was flattering without being too revealing.
“Come out and let us see!” Mel called.
I stepped out of the fitting room, feeling a little self-conscious. But when I saw Dwayne’s face, I felt a little boost of confidence. His eyes widened, and he looked at me like he had never seen me before.
“Sky,” he said quietly. “You look… incredible.”
“Really?” I asked, smoothing down the dress.
“Really,” he said, standing up from the chair where he had been waiting. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Mel clapped her hands together. “I knew it! That dress was made for you.”
We spent the next hour trying on different outfits and accessories. Dwayne was being so sweet, helping me with everything. When I tried on a pair of red heels to go with the dress, he knelt down in front of me and helped me put them on.
“Here, let me help you,” he said gently, taking my foot and placing it on his thigh while he fastened the strap of the shoe.
I looked down at him, and something in my chest softened. He was being so caring, so attentive. Maybe mother was right. Maybe I was overthinking things.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
He looked up at me with those warm hazel eyes. “Anything for you, Sky. You know that, right?”
Before I could answer, Mel squealed from across the store. “Oh my gosh, you two are so cute! I have to get a picture of this!”
She pulled out her phone and started taking photos of us. “I’ve missed you so much, Sky.” she added, snapping away. “You look so good together. You’re like the perfect couple.”
I felt my cheeks warm up as she continued taking pictures. Dwayne was still kneeling in front of me, and he was smiling that bright smile that made him look so handsome.
“Mel, you don’t have to—” I started to say.
“No, I’m getting all of this,” she said, moving around to get different angles. “These are going to be such beautiful memories.”
When she finally put her phone away, she came over and whispered in my ear. “Sky, look at him. Look at how he’s treating you. He’s doing everything he can to make you happy. He’s exactly what you need.”
I looked at Dwayne again. He was still helping me with my shoes, being so patient and gentle. Maybe she was right. Maybe I had been too focused on my confusing feelings.
“No,” Aria suddenly said firmly in my mind. “This is wrong. He’s not our mate.”
I tried to push her voice away. I wanted to believe that Mel was right, that Dwayne was everything I needed. It would make everything so much easier.
After we had picked out our outfits, we went to pay for everything. But when we got to the counter, the manager of the store appeared.
“Princess Skylar,” he said with a deep bow. “It is such an honor to have you in our store today.”
I looked at him in surprise. “I’m sorry, do we know each other?”
“No, miss, but everyone knows who you are. You’re the stepdaughter of Alpha Adonis. You are royalty to us.”
I felt my face get hot. I didn’t like being singled out because of my connection to Adonis, especially not in front of Dwayne.
“That’s very kind of you,” I said politely.
“Please, allow me to give you a special discount,” the manager said. “And if there’s anything else you need, anything at all, just let me know.”
“Thank you,” I said, wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible.
We finished our shopping and left the store, but everywhere we went, it was the same thing. People recognized me and treated me like I was someone special. I mean I was, but they didn't really have to. They bowed and smiled and offered us the best service.
“I had no idea you were so famous,” Mel joked.
“I’m not famous,” I said, feeling uncomfortable. “People just know who my stepfather is.”
“You’re a princess. Everyone felt your absence.”
By the time we finished shopping, it was late afternoon. We had bags full of clothes and shoes and accessories, and I was exhausted. The car ride home was quiet, with all of us tired from our day of shopping.
When we got back to the pack house, Dwayne carried our bags inside for us.
“I’ll see you ladies tonight,” he said, kissing me on the cheek. “I can’t wait to see you in that red dress again.”
After he left, Mel and I went to our separate rooms to get ready for the party. I took a long shower and washed my hair, trying to relax and get excited about the evening ahead.
When I was clean and dried off, I put on the red dress we had bought. It fit perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places. I paired it with the red stilettos and a small red purse. Then I sat down at my vanity to do my makeup.
I kept it simple but elegant, a little foundation, some mascara, and red lipstick that matched my dress. I left my hair down in soft waves that framed my face.
When I was finished, I looked at myself in the mirror. I had to admit, I looked good. The red dress made me feel confident and beautiful, and the shoes made my legs look long and elegant.
You look beautiful,” Aria said quietly.
I ignored her and grabbed my purse. It was time to go to the party, and I was going to have a good time. I was going to dance and laugh and try to forget about all the confusing feelings that had been tearing me apart.
I opened my bedroom door and stepped out into the hallway, my heels clicking on the floor. I was looking down at my phone, checking the time, when I suddenly bumped into someone.
“Oh!” I said, stumbling backward. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was—”
I looked up and my words died in my throat. Standing in front of me, looking down at me with those intense dark eyes, was Adonis.
He was wearing a black suit that made him look even more handsome than usual, and his hair was perfectly styled. His familiar smell of cedar and rain hit me at once, and it made my knees weak.
For a moment, neither of us moved. We just stood there, staring at each other, and I felt like the world had stopped spinning.
- Writer
