The Mafia Alpha's Hired Bride

Chapter 8

Deeya fell silent for a long moment as Jasper led her into an upscale clothing boutique. Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead, thick carpet stretched toward racks filled with extravagant gowns, and the soft scent of expensive perfume hung in the air. She swallowed hard, awestruck and intimidated by a level of luxury she had never dared to imagine before.

"Can I really choose one of the dresses here?" she asked quietly, almost like a child afraid her request would be denied.

Jasper merely gave a curt nod, his expression as cold as ever. "First step, I need to change your wardrobe. You can't keep dressing like a street whore."

The words stabbed deep, but Deeya only smiled bitterly. "I know. I have to look good for you."

Jasper's darkened gaze pierced straight through her. "That's only one of the reasons. I have to take responsibility for our deal by making you a worthy wife for a future Alpha."

Deeya's heart pounded hard. That stare was so serious it made swallowing difficult.

"So... after we're done shopping, what's next?" she asked carefully.

Jasper crossed his arms, his voice flat. "I'll teach you table manners. You need to know how to conduct yourself properly at the banquet."

Deeya let out a long breath, her lips twisting wryly. "Alright... you wolves really are so noble, and full of proper etiquette."

She tried to distract herself from her nerves by stepping toward the clothing racks. Her fingers glided over smooth satin fabric before her eyes caught the price tag.

"OH MY GOD! Three thousand dollars?!" she nearly shrieked. "That's enough to cover food for me and Jace for an entire year!"

Jasper raised an eyebrow, staring at her with an unreadable expression. "A year?"

"Oh no," Deeya quickly added, "he's been eating more since we moved... so maybe only six months."

Jasper went quiet, his eyes deep and complicated. Then he said quietly, "You're lucky to be my mate."

Deeya let out a bitter chuckle. "Yeah, I feel extremely lucky. After all... I can earn six months' worth of groceries with my body."

Jasper stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. "You should be grateful I'm in a good mood right now."

Deeya swallowed hard, but before she could respond, a shop assistant approached them. The young woman was beautiful with a tall, slender figure, her smile sweet but her eyes fixed solely on Jasper.

"Is there anything I can help you with, sir?" her voice was soft, almost flirtatious.

Deeya scoffed. She could clearly see how the woman's chest was nearly brushing against Jasper's arm. Jasper himself only furrowed his brow, unwilling to engage.

"Hey..." Deeya quickly pulled Jasper's arm, drawing him closer to her body. "There seems to be something wrong with your eyes. He doesn't need your help. The person you should be helping... is me."

Her tone was sharp.

The assistant frowned, her gaze sweeping over Deeya from head to toe with a dismissive attitude. "I'm sorry, I wouldn't know how to assist you. Judging by your taste, it doesn't seem like there's anything in our store that would suit you."

Deeya's blood boiled. Her stare turned razor-sharp, unable to stomach watching this woman still trying to flirt with Jasper.

"Oh, is that so?" Deeya flashed a cutting smirk. "But the man you're trying to help... he's my fiancé. I think it's actually more unsuitable the other way around, don't you? You sell women's clothing. And I'm pretty sure my fiancé won't be wearing any of it."

Jasper suppressed a laugh, a scoff hanging at the corner of his lips. "Fiancé?" he murmured, as if enjoying the situation.

The assistant fell silent for a moment, then stared at Deeya with a thin smile, satisfied in her belief that Deeya was lying.

"What's the problem? Didn't you say you were going to marry me?" Deeya shot back at Jasper, her voice firm.

Jasper nodded curtly. "You're right."

His powerful arm wrapped around Deeya's waist, his other hand gently stroking her cheek. The rough touch made her breath catch.

"It sounds a little strange... but in a sense, there's nothing wrong with it," Jasper said flatly.

Deeya looked at him, smiling with pure triumph. "Of course. And so far, I'm happy that you get to be my fiancé."

Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Just happy?"

Deeya bit her lip, then answered lightly, "Yes. Because I'm slightly not fond of your shopping taste in places."

Jasper sharpened his gaze. "It seems you don't like it here. Are the clothes ugly?"

"No, the clothes are beautiful," Deeya answered honestly. "But the arrogant aura here... makes me sick."

Jasper's icy stare immediately swept over the shop assistant, making the woman's body tremble violently. "I'm sorry, miss... I didn't know who you were," the assistant stammered.

Deeya exhaled, patting her shoulder gently. "It's fine. I forgive you."

The assistant froze, then looked at Deeya with deep gratitude. "Thank you so much for your kindness..."

Jasper only stared at Deeya intently, as if reading something hidden behind her thoughts.

Suddenly, a middle-aged woman came rushing over, her face transforming the moment she saw who was standing in front of her. "Oh my goodness, Mr. De Leon... I didn't see you earlier. My deepest apologies."

Jasper glanced at the name tag on her chest. "Taylor?"

"Yes, I'm the store manager here. How may I assist you?"

Jasper glanced at Deeya briefly, then said casually, "My kind-hearted fiancée needs new clothes."

Deeya's breath caught. Her face immediately heated, blood rushing to her cheeks when she heard Jasper's casual yet teasing tone.

Taylor beamed. "Of course. The VIP room is right this way."

Under the manager's guidance, Jasper selected several gowns, then tossed them at Deeya without much conversation. "Try all of these on."

Deeya nodded quickly. "Okay... Jasper."

The corner of his mouth curved slightly, seeming to enjoy the way she said his name. Deeya carried the stack of clothes into the fitting room.

After closing the door, she stared at the expensive gowns in her hands. "Oh my God... they're all so beautiful."

When she tried on the first gown, Deeya froze at her reflection in the mirror. "I never imagined I could look this good in luxurious clothes... but damn, everything looks absolutely incredible on my body!"

She chose the most striking gown, sexy, elegant, hugging her body perfectly. As she spun once in front of the mirror, she murmured softly, I look like a noblewoman... and Jasper will definitely be pleased seeing me like this.

But suddenly, a flash appeared in her mind an image of a strange woman in a similar gown, smiling gracefully among a crowd.

"What was that? Her back was so beautiful... was that one of my memories?" she whispered, confused.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

A knock sounded at the fitting room door, shattering her reverie.

Jasper tapped lightly on the fitting room door, his voice deep and commanding. "You've been in there too long, woman."

Deeya, who had been struggling with the zipper at the back of her gown, froze. Frustration made her breath hitch. She pressed her lips close to the door, whispering softly.

"Sir... maybe you could come in for a moment. I'm having a little problem."

Silence for a beat. Deeya could practically hear her own heartbeat. Then the door swung open without warning, and Jasper pushed his way inside with determined strides.

His gaze immediately fell on Deeya's figure wrapped in the elegant gown. His eyes glinted with admiration mixed with something darker.

"It seems I chose well," Jasper said in a low tone, as if holding something back behind his words. "You look stunning... elegant, and sexy."

Deeya's cheeks flushed. "Thank you," she answered shortly.

A faint smile appeared on Jasper's face, but his eyebrow lifted. "You called me in just to say thank you?" His voice was teasing, yet demanding.

Deeya shook her head, smiling faintly. She stepped closer, her body nearly brushing against Jasper's. Slowly, she turned around, revealing her exposed back. She swept her hair forward, leaving bare, inviting skin.

"Please help me zip it up."

Jasper moved closer. His hot breath swept over Deeya's ear, making the hairs on her nape stand on end. His strong fingers slowly pulled the zipper upward, but accidentally grazed the soft skin along Deeya's spine. That brief touch made her body tremble violently.

Suddenly, a small pinch was felt at her waist. Deeya turned her head in surprise, eyes wide. "Hey, what was that?" she asked, her voice quivering.

Jasper only stared at her sharply, his lips nearly pressed against her ear. "Nothing," he answered curtly.

"Hurry up and finish. I'll meet you outside," Jasper said coldly yet full of command. His voice was heavy, leaving no room for refusal.

Jasper walked out with casual strides, leaving her alone in that cramped space.

The moment Deeya stepped out of the fitting room, her eyes immediately landed on a sight that made her pause. Jasper stood tall with a cold and commanding aura, handing a gleaming black card to Taylor, the store manager. The gesture was simple, but it radiated undeniable authority, like a king giving a sign to his subordinate.

"Thanks," Jasper said flatly, as if the transaction meant nothing to him.

Taylor grinned widely, almost like someone who felt fortunate to serve a man of Jasper's caliber. "Very well, Mr. De Leon," she answered with deep respect.

Deeya stared at the luxurious gown now clinging to her body. The soft fabric practically screamed expensive, a far cry from the simple clothes she usually wore. Her heart beat strangely, caught between admiration and awkwardness.

She turned slowly to the man beside her. "Sir, what are we doing next?" she asked, her voice slightly softer than usual.

Jasper glanced at her briefly, his dark eyes reflecting his authority. "We're going to a restaurant. I'm going to teach you table manners."

His commanding tone sounded so natural, as if Deeya were merely a student who had to obey her teacher. Without waiting for agreement, the man strode toward the store exit. Deeya could only let out a short sigh and follow behind, her steps automatically resembling those of a follower who had no other choice.

The moment Nick opened the car door, Jasper got in first. Deeya followed, sitting awkwardly in the back seat. Once the door closed, the luxury car glided smoothly through the city streets.

Deeya stole a glance at the man beside her. Jasper looked relaxed, gazing out the window with a chiseled jaw and a cold expression, as if he were planning something only he knew.

The car finally stopped in front of an upscale restaurant with magnificent architecture that exuded an exclusive aura. Crystal chandeliers sparkled behind large windows, soft music drifted faintly from inside.

Deeya swallowed hard. This restaurant... was clearly not the kind of place she had ever set foot in her entire life. Too beautiful, too expensive, and too foreign for a simple woman like her.