Chapter 4

Nala

"I don't know about this, Ky," I say nervously inside a fitting room. "I feel like I need a jacket or something. Or at least some leggings." I hug myself tightly.

"Nonsense! I'm sure you look lovely, so come on out and let me see what it looks like," Ky calls out cheerfully, making me sigh. "You better hurry, or I might just pick out three more outfits for you to try on."

I tense up. Anything but that! I quickly open the door and step out. "T-there..." I manage, hugging myself again.

I feel so naked in this dress. It doesn't even reach below my upper thigh and shows too much of my back. It is a beautiful dress made with high-quality fabric and materials, but it's just not my style. I also don't like wearing so much black. I do like the lace at the bottom, but other than that, it's too much.

"You look lovely!" Ky praises and starts circling me. "It's fun dressing you in all the size 0 dresses here. You're nice and petite, and it makes you gorgeous." She then pouts. "If only I could wear them too..."

I shift about and shake my head. "It's only tight on you because of your boobs. I don't have much, so... it just makes it easier for me..."

Ky then grins and flips her hair to the side. "Yes, I do have that going for me, at least. Owen especially likes them..."

I groan and shake my head. "I don't need that image in my head, please!" Happy couples are so cheesy. Maybe I'd be the same way if I had someone, but I can't open my heart to anyone. Not when he's still in possession of it.

Ky laughs again and pats my shoulder. "You do need more color, so..." She shoves another dress into my hands. "Try this! Oh, and I found some nice wedges for this one too." Her grin grows mischievous, and I wonder if she's turned evil on me.

Once more, I'm promptly shoved back into the fitting room. I sigh, feeling exhausted. How long has it been? A couple of hours? When are we going to be done? The night's going to be a long one for sure.

I look at myself in the mirror in front of me and grimace. Everyone says I'm skin and bones, and while I know they're right, I also can't help but see so many imperfections.

"Look at how disgusting you are!" a familiar voice shouts in my head, making me flinch. "You're nothing like her now, but don't you worry. I'll make sure you're the perfect replacement for the woman you took from me."

Behind me, I see the dark shadow of the man I wish to forget. I know he's not there. I know he can't get to me anymore. That doesn't change the fear and conditioning he left behind.

I close my eyes tightly and take a deep breath to calm my nerves. Today is a happy day for me. I won't let his memory overshadow everything I've worked for.

I put on the new dress and look at myself again. Now that I'm out of the black one, I no longer see that dark shadow. Instead, I find myself liking this one much better.

It's still too short for my liking, but I don't feel naked either. It reaches an inch above my knees and isn't too tight, yet still hugs my body comfortably. It's blue and also has soft white lace accents. As I put on the wedges, it feels like they complete the outfit.

When I step out for Ky to see, she pauses and stares at me in faint surprise. I rarely dress up, so maybe it really is surprising to see me look halfway decent for once. She then grins happily as her arrogance makes an appearance.

"I knew it! This is the dress for sure." Ky circles me while grinning ear to ear like a maniac. "You'll wear this to the club for sure! Now we just need to get you accessories, do your hair up nicely, and put some makeup on that bare face of yours..."

Dread makes me grimace. "I-isn't this good enough? I think I look nice..." I try to protest, but she isn't hearing any of it.

Ky pays for a few outfits for me and drags me along to the next store. I'm already exhausted, but she's enjoying herself like I'm a doll she gets to dress up any way she wants. Someone please save me!

***

Ky parks outside the busy nightclub and relaxes. "Aww, that was so much fun! Now we can celebrate in style and get some nice men to flirt with us." She looks at me and beams. "And I won't be embarrassed to have you with me! Such a win-win situation, right?"

I sigh and shake my head. "Don't insult me too much," I say and get out of the car. The people going in and out of the club are so obviously high-status that my anxiety starts spiking rapidly.

I tuck some hair behind my ear, not used to having it styled in light, loose curls, nor am I used to wearing a necklace this expensive. Ky insisted on a blue diamond and ignored me when I protested the insane price. The earrings even have matching blue diamonds.

As I vow to make her take them back, Ky walks around the car to my side and wraps an arm around me. "You better not be thinking what I think you're thinking~..." she chimes in a sing-song tone, making me pale.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about..." I stammer out, but then notice the teasing look on her face. I slowly relax. "S-stop teasing me... I'm nervous enough as it is."

Ky giggles and shakes her head. "Don't be nervous or shy, darling. You're gorgeous, and I'm going to make sure everyone knows it." She takes my hand and practically drags me over to the door.

"Easy for you to say, Ms. Model..." I murmur and sigh. Ky is way prettier than me all dolled up. She's wearing a hot pink mini dress and high heels that match her engagement ring perfectly. Her hair is big and curly, and her makeup is on the heavy side, but it looks perfect on her.

Thinking about it makes me want to wipe away my makeup, but since Ky spent a lot of money on me overall, I can't just ruin her so-called masterpiece. Even if she claims it's our night, it's more like her night.

"Come on, Nala." Ky grins happily. "Let's grab some fruity margaritas and party all night long until our legs give out!" she cheers happily.

I nod and offer a small smile. I don't want to ruin this night for her, so I'll just have to suck it up for now. Besides... what's the harm in letting loose and having fun? I won't let anything bad happen to my best friend.