Hired as His Fake Fiancée

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: FITTING ROOM WAR.

NORA

I walked back to the suite; Gabriel had not moved from the couch, book still in hand, but this time it was upside down, and even though he was staring down hard at the page, I knew he was not reading anything.

I slipped into the closet without a word to him and changed into casual wear that the stylist had recommended. It was something to match the vibe of what Aurelia was wearing earlier.

“Where are you going?” Gabriel got up as soon as I emerged with my coat already over my body and a scarf around my neck.

“To shop with your sister and ex-wife,” I said, not looking at him. I was packing the essentials into my bag.

“You know they will try to tear you apart?”

“And who do I have to thank for that?” I let out a sarcastic comment. I stopped myself and let out a long, hard breath. “I have to go; they are waiting.”

He took a step forward as if he was going to say something. From his eyes, I can tell that he was worried about who I had called, but couldn't bring himself to ask.

His ego was always the most important thing for him. I turned without a word and left. They are already waiting in the car downstairs.

“Take the front; it is most suitable for you,” Evelyn sneered.

I didn't say a word but entered beside the driver. We stopped in front of the exclusive boutique Maison de Couture.

When we stepped in, I noticed it had been cleared out for them to shop, which meant they didn't have an audience to impress, and I was slightly exonerated.

I stood still, allowing them to weave their way through the store while I assessed it. The old-money vintage-sourced dresses were stored at the back, along with old-money designers such as the Duchess.

“Help me hold onto this.” Aurielia dropped a dress on my shoulder as she walked into the hall. I understand very well that they brought me here to be the maid.

“Look, Nora.” Evelyn’s high-pitched tone cut through the air, and I stilled. Let the humiliations begin. “I think this would look perfect on you,” she sneered, holding up a hanger.

The dress was tacky and poorly made. I was amazed that a*****e like this had that kind of dress. Maybe they were struggling and had to begin to cater for the masses as well.

“I think she would look like her usual self in it,” Aurelia continued for her. “And not these customs my brother has made her wear.”

“If you don’t like that, this might be a bit more to your taste.” Aurelia held up another one. It had horrifying ruffles done across the entire dress, and it made my entire body shudder at the thought of wearing it.

“That is a little more Rhodes style,” Evelyn said.

They both burst out laughing like mean bullies who were constantly picking on the nerd. I do not let out a word because I am not giving them the satisfaction of thinking they have won.

I dropped the dresses in my hand onto the nearest couch and smiled. “If you want to buy a dress, you have to do it right.” I paused and glanced at them, adding in a chilling tone. “Except you can't afford it.”

I walked to the section I had mapped out and pulled out a dress. The fabrics slipped through my fingers, and a smile climbed my face instantly. I recognised it and wondered how the Kings had gotten their hands on it.

It was a piece from the Thorne family. The dark midnight-blue dress was an off-shoulder, floor-length dress. Simple but guaranteed to turn the attention of everyone in the room to you.

They both turned to me, unable to hide their expression of anger that I hadn't even given in to their tricks.

The shop attendant rushed over and took it out of my hand. From her look, I was sure she was judging me based on how they had been treating me.

“Be careful, Nora, or you might ruin it,” Evelyn said when she saw the action from the attendant. She smirked and turned to Aurelia; a knowing glance passed between both of them.

“This dress is really expensive…”

“Because it is an 1888 classic specially made for the Duchess of Crestmont,” I finished for her.

Her mouth was wide as she realised I hadn't just picked out the dress because it looked shiny. I actually did know the story behind this.

I didn't learn this because I was a thorn. More like I had always loved clothes and learnt to pick them up as I grew. When I realised that having a dream for clothes wasn't going to pay the bills, I lost interest and focused on the reality of things.

She looked impressed, and I knew that I had her right where I wanted her to be. I smiled and ran my hand through the silkiness of the fabric once again.

“I would love to try that on, please.”

“Sure, ma’am, right this way,” she said, already leading me to the back room. As I passed, both of them had a large scowl on their face.

“Careful, or you both might blow up,” I whispered as I passed by them.

The attendant was helpful in putting it on me. “Fit like a glove,” she said when the hidden corset was done.

I stepped out of the changing room to meet Gabriel, standing there. I ignored him, walking over to the mirror to see how well it fit.

He climbed onto the platform behind me. His hand settled on my waist as he leaned, and my breath hitched. I cursed my body for reacting the way it did to his touch. I watched Evelyn seethe with anger at the sight, and I almost jumped in joy at her reaction.

“You look absolutely stunning.” Gabriel’s declaration is loud enough for both women to hear. Of course, he was here to continue his show.

“We will take the dress,” he declared, handing his card over to the attendant.

“You can’t be serious, Gabe.” Evelyn stepped forward, ready to fight.

“Why not?” Gabriel still held my waist but turned slightly to him. “Can’t I buy a dress for my fiancée?”

She looked like she wanted to say something, but wouldn't since Gabriel was there. I slipped out of his range and changed. He pulled my hand as soon as I got out.

“You ladies can find your way home, right?” he asked and without waiting for their replies, he pulled me out of the room and didn’t stop until we were in the car.

“What are you doing?” I asked already, slipping on my seatbelt.

“Who called you?”

I scoffed as I realised he had come here to ask me about the phone call. “A friend?” I straightened my back and stared ahead, putting on a defiant look.

“Julian?”

“The stable manager?” I scoffed, turning to him slightly. “Why would he call me?”

“You seemed…comfortable with him,” he said, his jaw ticking as if it were on the verge of exploding. “For the next three weeks, you are a king; don’t let the help think otherwise.”

I licked my lips and shook my head at the irony of it all. I wasn't allowed to talk to the one person in the house who didn't make me feel like the smallest. “Great”

I turned to him and flashed a toothy grin. My voice dripping with every fake sweetness and horror.

“I sure won’t forget.”