The forbidden Affair

Chapter:The unexpected shopping assistant

The boutique’s soft lighting cast a flattering glow as Liliana slipped into a series of high-neck tops and elegant dresses. She emerged from the fitting room to check her reflection in the tall mirror just outside, smoothing the fabric of a pale lavender dress and turning side to side.

Out of nowhere, the self-absorbed guy she’d encountered earlier in the store appeared, leaning casually against the display rack. “That looks great on you,” he quipped in a playful tone, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Liliana’s posture stiffened, and she shot him an annoyed glare. She wasn’t in the mood for commentary, especially from him.

He raised his hands in dramatic surrender, a grin still tugging at his lips. “Heyy, truce!”

She rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply. “You can go now.”

But he only shrugged and settled in beside the mirror, undeterred. “Actually, I think I’ll stay and help you pick out what works. You know, for some honest feedback.”

Liliana hesitated, but recognizing how stubborn he was, she relented with a reluctant nod. She disappeared back into the fitting room, changing into another outfit.

Each time she emerged, he offered his opinion—sometimes thoughtful, sometimes teasing, always delivered with that same infuriating confidence. Liliana found herself begrudgingly amused by the banter, the once tiresome shopping trip now oddly entertaining as she awaited the next round of his judgment.

Liliana emerged once more, this time in a stunning high-neck dress that hugged her figure and brought out the warmth in her eyes. She paused in front of the mirror, adjusting a loose strand of hair, only to notice the self-absorbed guy fall completely silent for the first time.

He stared, genuinely mesmerized, his playful smirk replaced by wide-eyed admiration. “Wow,” he managed, the word barely more than a whisper.

Liliana caught his gaze in the mirror and raised an eyebrow, an amused flicker crossing her face. “Cat got your tongue?” she teased, her earlier annoyance softening under the weight of his unexpected sincerity.

He shook his head, finding his words. “No, I just… That dress was made for you. Seriously.”

For a moment, the air felt lighter between them, the teasing banter giving way to something almost honest. Liliana held his gaze a beat longer, then turned back to the fitting room, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Liliana gathered her chosen clothes and made her way toward the shop assistant to complete her purchase. Just as she was about to hand over the items, the self-absorbed guy stepped in front of her, gently taking her hand and guiding her back with a playful firmness.

“Aren’t you going to thank me?” he said, eyebrow raised in mock indignation. “Maybe ask for my name, or even my number? I mean, I know you already know who I am, but still.”

Liliana couldn’t help but laugh at his audacity, shaking her head at his confidence. The tension between them lingered in the air, equal parts exasperating and oddly thrilling.Liliana smiled, pulling her hand gently from his grasp. “Actually, I don’t know who you are,” she said, her tone light but firm. “And I don’t want to know. Today was just an encounter, and I think we should keep it that way.”

For the first time, Hunter’s trademark confidence faltered. He blinked in surprise, searching her face for any sign of recognition. “You really don’t know?” he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “Hunter Evans? The musician?”

Liliana shrugged, unaffected. “Sorry. I’m not really into the whole celebrity thing.”

Hunter let out a soft laugh, half-amused, half-bewildered. “Wow. That’s a first. Most people can’t get past two sentences without asking for a selfie.”

She offered a small, genuine smile. “Well, I guess today you’re just a guy in a boutique helping a stranger choose a dress.”

Hunter watched her go, still processing the novelty of not being recognized, as Liliana completed her purchase and stepped out into the sunlight, leaving him with a story he knew he’d be telling for a long time.

As Liliana turned to leave the boutique, her gaze caught on a delicate necklace glimmering from behind the glass display. She paused, longing flickering in her eyes, but quickly looked away. She knew better than to buy anything without Nick’s permission—his rules always hovered over her choices, even now.

Hunter, still lingering nearby, noticed the exchange. He watched as her eyes lingered on the necklace, then darted away. Without a word, he strode to the counter, picked up the necklace, and walked back to her.

“If you want it so badly, why not try it on?” he offered, holding it out with an inviting smile.

Liliana shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t. Really.”

Hunter saw the truth in her eyes, though he couldn’t understand why she denied herself something she clearly wanted. Ignoring her protest, he gently fastened the necklace around her neck. For a moment, the simple touch sent a strange current between them, an unspoken connection neither could quite name.

Liliana turned to the mirror, fingers brushing the pendant. She looked beautiful—more herself than she’d felt in a long time. Hunter watched, mesmerized.

“How about I buy this for you?” he said softly. “As a gift to remember me by. Because I don’t want you to forget me.”

Before Liliana could reply, Hunter was already at the counter, paying for the necklace. She shook her head, protesting, but he slipped the box into her bag and, as he handed it to her, let his fingers graze softly against her cheek.

For a heartbeat, Liliana liked the warmth of his touch. But then fear surged—why did her heart leap like that? She stepped backward, silent, then turned and hurried out of the boutique without another word, the weight of the new necklace and the moment lingering with her.