Now that Augusto is looking at me with gentleness, I don’t know how to handle it.
It feels good, but also very nerve-racking.
Excitement buzzes in my stomach as Samantha and I walk into the store.
“Get whatever you want, sweetie,” she says as her eyes drift over my face.
I’ve never been able to choose my own clothes before, and knowing exactly what I want to wear, I search through all the racks and shelves for pants and long skirts. I don’t feel comfortable showing my legs to the whole world.
“Don’t you think this top will look nice with the light blue pants?” Samantha asks, holding up a silk blouse with a low cleavage.
I quickly shake my head. “I want to keep my chest covered.”
“Okay.” She looks through all the other options, then pulls out a top that has a high collar with a little bow tie. “Oh my God, this is so cute.”
A grin spreads over my face as I nod. “I love it.”
She keeps glancing through the tops, then excitedly says, “There are more in different colors!”
We pick them all out, and by the time our arms are loaded with clothes, we make our way to the counter to pay.
I use the credit card Augusto gave me yesterday, and when I see the name Mrs. Y. Vitale printed on it, it sends a weird sensation through my chest.
It’s been a month since I married Augusto, and he’s been nothing but kind and patient with me. The marriage is not as bad as I thought it would be, and actually a blessing in disguise.
The sight of Augusto doesn’t fill me with fear anymore, but instead, I’m always nervous around him. I think it’s because he’s so attractive, and deep down, I know we’ll have to consummate the marriage at some point.
As soon as the thought pops into my mind, my cheeks go on fire, and I force myself to focus on the shopping trip.
Samantha said we’re meeting Bianca and Sienna for lunch, but we stop at a couple of more stores to get everything from pretty accessories to underwear and shoes.
The guards keep taking the bags from us, which is something my old guards never would’ve done.
By the time we walk into a restaurant, I’ve worked up a sweat. But I’m so satisfied with everything I got that I want to wear it all at once.
A wide smile spreads over Samantha’s face as she waves at her daughters, where they’re already sitting at a table.
Augusto mentioned they’re triplets, but the only thing they have in common is the green eyes they must’ve gotten from Samantha.
“We’ve had such a busy morning,” Samantha says as she slumps down in a chair. “I need something to drink.”
I sit down beside her and offer my sisters-in-law a polite smile.
“Wow.” Bianca looks me up and down, her eyebrows lifting. “You look so much better than when we saw you at the reception.”
Samantha rubs my shoulder. “She’s reached her goal weight, so we have something to celebrate today.”
“I’m so happy you’re better, Yuki.” Sienna gives me a soft smile.
“Are you growing your hair out?” Bianca asks.
Feeling a little overwhelmed, I focus on keeping my expression friendly as I nod. “I want to grow my hair as long as possible.”
“I know of a couple of treatments that will help. When I used it, my hair shot past my ass.” Bianca smiles at the server who comes to our table. “My mother will have a Coca-Cola with lotsof ice and a slice of lemon.” She looks at me. “What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll have the same, please.”
“Should we get some champagne?” Samantha asks while looking at me.
