Chapter 51
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The service began, and I sat between Helen and Asher. During the final hymn, I murmured alongside with them, unsure of
the tune.
Asher glanced at me, smirking. “Don’t tell me you forgot how to sing too.”
“I just…” I whispered back. “I don’t know this one.”
He nudged me lightly. “Here,” he said, leaning over so close I could smell his cologne. “Just follow my lead.”
He started singing and damn, his voice was good, a deep Smooth baritone. I tried to copy the tune. Halfway through, I was laughing quietly because I had messed up the lyrics.
He choked mid–line, trying not to laugh. “You’re hopeless,” he muttered.
“I’m trying!” I hissed, glaring at the hymn book.
“Yeah, but what was that? Meow meow meow?” He snorted. “You sound like a dying cat.”
Helen turned her head and shot us both a glare, mouthing, ‘Behave!”
We both froze, looked at each other… then immediately burst into silent giggles.
After the service, people gathered outside in little groups. Helen and Robert were quickly surrounded by friends and business partners. I stayed close to Asher, who seemed perfectly comfortable being the center of attention.
A girl in a pink dress sauntered over, her curls bouncing. “Asher Morales,” she said with a flirty smile. “Didn’t see you throughout last week.”
“I was busy,” he replied smoothly.
“Too busy to reply to my texts?” she purred, wrapping her arms around his neck.
My jaw dropped a little. People just… did that here? I stepped back awkwardly.
“You texted me?” Asher asked, peeling her hands away.
Her smile faltered. “Obviously.”
“I told you to block my number,” he frowned. “we’re over.”
The girl scowled. “You’re such a-”
He turned to me suddenly. “Aria, this is Mila. Mila, this is my sister.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Your sister? You’re an only child.”
“You’re too slow,” he said, draping an arm casually around my shoulders. “Be careful around her.”
Mila forced a smile. “Oh… of course. Hi, Aria.”
“Hi,” I said, offering a small wave.
“She’s so obsessed with this hottie.” Asher whispered as she walk away.
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Chapter 51
“You’re evil.”
“Thank you.” He smirked. “And also devastatingly charming.”
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Later, while waiting for Helen and Robert near the car, I leaned against the hood, the breeze brushing against my hair. “Everyone really loves you here.”
Asher shrugged. “Not really. They just love the money and the pride of hanging out with the Morales. Not me.”
“You don’t believe that. Do you?”
He sighed. “You’ll understand soon enough but you’ll love it. Around here, everything’s about power and reputation. Even church.”
I frowned. “That sounds exhausting.”
“Sometimes it is. Tinker bell.”
“Tinker bell?”
“Yeah,” he said with a grin, flicking my forehead lightly. “Because you’re tiny, sparkly and love thinking about a lot of unnecessary nonsense.”
I gasped. “I don’t think about unnecessary nonsense and I’m definitely not tiny.”
“You are, actually.” He shrugged, putting on his sunglasses. “Tiny Tinker Bell.” He chuckled.”
By the time we got home, I was exhausted.
“Aria, darling,” Helen called as soon as I stepped out of the car. “Go freshen up. We’re going shopping.”
I blinked. “Shopping? Like, mall shopping?”
“No, dear, wild animals shopping.” Asher snickered. “Good luck shopping with mother though” he chuckled.
An hour later, I’m sitting in the backseat of a black car that probably cost more than an entire neighborhood, watching rows
of designer stores pass by through the tinted glass. Helen sat beside me, scrolling through her phone.
“Do I… really need to buy anything?” I asked, “I haven’t even worn all the stuff you ordered.”
She looked up and smiled. “Of course sweetheart.”
I laughed nervously. “You don’t have to do that. I mean, I have a
“Aria. Did you see those girls at church?”
“Yeah… they’re cute” I stared at my fingers.
She sighed dramatically. “Cute, yes. But you’re more richer than they are. I would not like my daughter to be look down at by a clown simply because of your outfit. You’re a Morales.”
“I guess” I muttered
Chapter 51
“What was that, darling?”
“Nothing,” I smiled, “Just admiring your… beauty.”
My mouth dropped open as we walked into the boutique. It looks like a fashion museum- marble floors, golden racks, sparkling chandeliers. And empty. Completely empty.
“Um,” I whispered, “where’s everyone?”
“It’s reserved for us,” Helen said casually.
“You… you rented out the whole place?”
“Of course. It’s more comfortable this way.” She waved her hand
A group of stylists and attendants suddenly appeared, bowing slightly. “Mrs and Miss Morales, you’re welcome!”
Helen smiled proudly. “My daughter will need a full wardrobe. Something fresh, elegant, and age–appropriate.”
“Yes, ma’am,” one of the stylists said. “We have prepared some selections.”
I was ushered into a dressing room, Helen elegantly walked to the plush velvet chair sat in the corner and sat down. One of the attendants stood beside her, serving her what looks like champagne.
I gawked. “Are you… drinking champagne at 2 p.m.?”
“It’s sparkling water,” she said, then smiled. “Mostly.”
I rolled my eyes. “Wow.”
“Try the blue dress first.” She smirked.
An attendant handed me the dress and assisted me into it. “Uh, Helen?” I called as I tried to zip it. “I think this dress hates
me.”
“Let me see.”
I stepped out and twirled awkwardly. The fabric clung to me in all the wrong places.
Helen tilted her head. “Hmm. Such a waste for such a pretty dress.”
She clapped her hands. “Next!”
And just like that, I was dragged back inside by two stylists
“Try this one.”
“Too shiny.”
“That one makes you look twelve.”
“I’m not sure I’m quite a lot more than twelve.” I groaned, changing for the hundredth time
“Perfect–oh wait, not with those shoes.”
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Chapter 51
“If I see one more zipper, I’m going to commit fashion homicide”
Helen laughed softly. “Oh, you’re doing wonderfully, darling. Now try the red one.”
I stepped out wearing a short red dress and red heels.
“Now that’s sexy.” She winked.
“Sexy?” I cried, wobbling in the heels. “Helen, I can barely stand!”
“You’ll learn to” she laughed. “Bring out more shoes for her”
The attendants dragged in a cart filled with shoes – heels, boots and sandals.
“Try these on,” one said, handing me stilettos that looked like a torture device.
“Are you sure these are for feet and not weapons?” I asked.
Helen chuckled. “You’ll thank me later. Every woman needs her pair of those red heels.”
“Yeah, to stab her enemies with.”
Helen actually laughed. “You’re funny, Aria.”
I pouted. “And you’re just like Asher.”
“God forbid,” she muttered, sipping her drink.
Then came the handbags.
“This is classic Chanel.” Helen said, pointing to one.
I stared at the bag. “It’s smaller than a lunchbox.”
She ignored me, gesturing to another. “And that one is Dior-”
“How much is it?”
She smiled. “Don’t worry about that.”
I placed the bag next to a pastel dress and smiled. “Okay, this one’s actually cute.”
Helen’s face softened. “It will suit you.”
“Yeah,” I smiled.
She nodded.
“Yo
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
