“Is that really what you’re going to wear?”
Lilly asked, her brow raised in that playful, teasing way. I glanced at my reflection, taking in every detail of my outfit.
“Why? I think I look just fine,”
I replied, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my voice. Lilly and Mare exchanged a glance, one that made a flutter of anxiety stir in my stomach. Suddenly, it felt like I’d committed some grave fashion faux pas.
“Well, I guess it’s makeover time!”
Lilly declared, and I felt my heart sink. I knew exactly what that meant.
“No! Absolutely not!”
I protested, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. I watched as Lilly darted to her closet while Mare began to fuss with my hair. I let out a resigned sigh; dressing up wasn’t really my thing—why change that now?
“Mare, do you think Noah…”
The question lingered on my lips, heavy with what-ifs. But I couldn’t bring myself to voice it. As Mare tilted her head, curious about my thoughts, I forced a smile and shook my head. Her expression shifted from curiosity to concern, as if she could sense the storm brewing in my mind.
“Okay, I think it’s time we break this out,”
Lilly announced, returning with a stunning dark forest green silk dress and a pair of black pumps that had a delicate bow around the ankle.
“Oh no! No way!”
I exclaimed, but the two of them just exchanged knowing smiles.
“Come on, Liz! You at least have to try it on!”
Lilly urged, and Mare nodded in agreement. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at their enthusiasm. As I looked at the dress again, I instinctively rubbed my stomach,feeling a wave of unease. Lilly noticed and came over, her expression softening.
“I get it, feeling uncomfortable in your own skin is tough,”
she said gently, placing her hand over mine.
“But trust me on this—Noah is a great guy. He’s trying to make things right, and he sees you for who you truly are, Liz.”
She took my other hand, her grip warm and reassuring.
“We all know how crazy he is about you. I know you care about me, and when Noah hurt me, it shook your faith in him. But please, don’t let my past be the reason you don’t give him another chance.”
Tears pricked at my eyes as I glanced at Mare, who reached out to hold my hand.
“What if he… what if I can’t?”
I stammered, fighting to keep the tears at bay. No, I couldn’t let that happen. I could almost hear my father’s voice echoing in my mind, warning me against feeling too deeply, against letting emotions make me vulnerable. The walls felt like they were closing in, and my thoughts spiraled back to Noah and that kiss we shared. What if I couldn’t open up to him? What if he saw me as nothing more than a tool for hisown desires? My breath quickened, panic rising, when suddenly, I felt the warmth of a hug envelop me.
I looked up to see Mary and Lilly, their expressions filled with understanding.
“I know feeling is scary, Liz. Adonis told me the same thing,”
Mary said softly, her voice soothing as she comforted me like she did with Aurora.
“But you’re not just a tool meant to stay numb. You have feelings, and it’s okay to let them out. You’re incredible, and you’re so much more than what you think you are.”
I glanced back at Mare, who had just entered with a makeup wipe in hand.
“She’s right, Liz. I see the way you look at Noah. And the way he looks at you? It’s like he’s saying, ‘She’s mine and only mine.”
