CHAPTER 15: The Wrong Encounter
1374 Words
BELLA'S POV
Selene was still busy inspecting some precious gems when I got back. While Ronan strolled in the boutique, pretending on looking for some pieces, but the truth is he was inspecting if there weren't any danger lurking around.
When Selene spotted me, she beckoned me to come over.
“Hey, I finally found a beautiful necklace. I think this suits Mom perfectly. What do you think?"
I tried to focus on the jewelry she was pointing out, but my thoughts kept drifting back to that stranger—the man with the blue eyes. The way he had stared at me, calm but intense, lingered in my mind. Something about him felt—off, yet familiar in a way I couldn’t place.
“Bella? Are you even listening?” Selene’s voice pulled me back.
It's just now that I noticed she was holding a delicate silver pendant between her fingers, tilting it toward the light.
“Hmm? Oh, yes,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “It’s beautiful.”
She frowned. “You don’t sound convinced. Are you sure you’re okay?”
I nodded quickly. “I’m fine. I just thought of something…irrelevant.”
Ronan, standing nearby, didn’t look convinced either. I caught him glancing toward the entrance more than once.
I tried to shake the feeling off and picked up a small brooch for Selene to see. But when I looked at the glass storefront, I froze.
He was there—the blue-eyed man. Standing just outside, calm, watching us. My stomach twisted with something close to dread. But when I blinked, he was already gone.
Selene followed my gaze. “What is it?”
“Huh? Uh, n–nothing,” I said quickly. “Just… someone outside, I think.” I forced a laugh, hoping it sounded natural.
Ronan’s eyes narrowed, scanning the area. “Be careful,” he muttered.
I convinced myself not to dwell on it. After all, I was a famous fashion model. Maybe that man recognized me, and that was why he stared at me that way.
Since Selene and I didn’t find anything for Mom at the boutique, Ronan guided us to another luxurious jewelry store. He mentioned they carried specific gems that suited wolves’ classic taste.
When we got there, a woman in a tailored dress greeted us warmly with a polite nod. She froze for a moment when she realized who I was.
“You’re… Bella Turner,” she breathed, almost in awe.
I gave a small nod, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. I’d been recognized before countless times, but it always felt strange, especially now.
Selene grinned proudly and slipped her arm through mine. “Yes, that’s her. Our Bella.”
The associate straightened quickly, regaining her composure, though her eyes still sparkled with excitement. “It’s an honor to have you here, Miss Turner. Please, allow me to personally assist you.”
I offered a polite smile. “Thank you. We’re looking for a gift. Something elegant, but meaningful.”
“Of course,” she said eagerly. “We have a private collection in the back that isn’t usually displayed. If you’d like, I can show you.”
Ronan, who had been silent until now, gave a subtle nod. He was always cautious, but I could tell he approved of the woman’s sincerity.
As she led us deeper into the boutique, I caught Selene whispering, “See? Everyone still adores you, Bella. You’re practically a legend.”
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. “You make it sound bigger than it is.”
The lady led us to a case with an assortment of brooches and pendants.
Selene leaned over the glass, pointing at a few that were beautiful but a little too bold. I scanned the trays until one piece pulled my eye—a small pendant on a fine chain, a white stone set in a delicate halo. It was understated and bright in a way that felt calm.
“That one,” I said.
The associate lifted it out with gloved hands and set it on a black velvet pad. Up close, the stone held a clean, steady glow.
“It’s a moonstone,” she explained. “Symbolic of protection and clarity.”
Selene bumped my shoulder, smiling. “That’s Mom.”
I nodded. “I know. We’ll take it.”
We finalized our purchases when Serena finally picked a sapphire brooch and let them engraved Mom's initials. The finished product was very elegant and noble—perfectly fitted for a Luna.
The associate boxed the pieces and tied each of it with a ribbon in a careful move. I tucked the package into my bag, oddly relieved. It felt right.
We left the boutique and continued down the row of luxury shops. Ronan kept a steady pace beside us, his eyes scanning the passing crowd with sharp attention.
“Our next stop,” Selene announced, tugging my arm, “is gowns. I want everyone to be staring at you, Bella.”
I raised a brow. “Don’t you think they’ll be staring at you too? You’re the Alpha’s daughter.”
“That’s exactly why we both need to look perfect,” she grinned.
Ronan pushed the glass door open for us, and we stepped into a high-end atelier.
The space was bright, all clean lines and soft gold accents, with mannequins dressed in elaborate evening gowns that looked more like art than clothing.
A woman in a formal black dress approached immediately, bowing her head slightly in greeting. “Welcome to House Mirelle. I'm Molly, the manager of this shop. Do you have an appointment?”
Selene tilted her chin proudly.
“We don’t need one. She’s Bella Turner.” She gestured toward me.
The woman’s eyes widened, her expression shifting instantly. “Oh, forgive me for not recognizing you right away, Miss Turner. It’s an honor!” Her voice lowered with a kind of reverence. “We’d be more than happy to design something special for you.”
I felt my cheeks warm again at Selene’s boastful intro.
“Thank you, Ms. Molly. We’re here to find gowns for an upcoming banquet. We would like to see your latest designs,” I said politely.
“Of course. Please, come this way.”
We followed her into a private section lined with mirrors and fabric swatches that shimmered under the light. Assistants moved quietly, pulling dresses from racks and laying out sketchbooks with designs.
Selene immediately busied herself with the fabrics, holding bolts of refined silk and lace against her frame. She twirled once in front of the mirror.
“I want something bold. Maybe red.”
“You’ll look like you’re declaring war,” I teased, and she rolled her eyes at me.
The saleswoman turned to me carefully. “And you, Miss Turner? Do you have a preference? Color, silhouette?”
I hesitated, running my fingers lightly over a roll of midnight-blue fabric. For some reason, the color made my chest ache—like I had seen it before in a dream.
“I… don’t know yet,” I admitted softly.
Selene caught the way I lingered on the fabric and nudged me. “Blue suits you. Maybe we should start there.”
After discussing the necessary details of the gowns and taking our measurements, we finally headed out. The gowns would be ready in three days—perfect timing, since the banquet was the day after.
The three of us paused at Selene's favorite café overlooking the cityscape, and sat there for a while, enjoying our coffee.
“You want to head back now?” Selene asked.
I only nodded.
The sun was already dipping lower as the glass walls of the shopping center caught the fading light.
Selene linked her arm through mine, chattering about which hairstyle would go best with her gown, while Ronan trailed behind us.
As we turned a corner, I collided with someone. My shoulder struck hers, and I stumbled back a little—bringing us all to a halt.
“Sorry, I—”
The words froze on my tongue when I saw who it was.
Why did it have to be her, of all people?
- Writer
