Chapter Five

  The Blackwood driver gently opened the car door for her.

  

  

   Elara stepped out cautiously.

  

  

   The shopping district was so different from places she usually visited. Tall glass storefronts displayed designer clothing, jewelry sparkled softly, and luxury cars lined the street.

  

  

   Everything appeared expensive.

  

  

   Everything seemed overwhelming.

  

  

   Elara instinctively clutched her handbag a bit tighter.

  

  

   She still felt uncomfortable carrying the black card Edward had given her. It sat in her wallet like something she wasn't supposed to touch.

  

  

   Still… he had insisted.

  

  

   Go out today.

  

  

   So she went.

  

  

   Inside the first boutique, the sales assistants greeted her kindly.

  

  

   But their eyes lingered a moment too long.

  

  

   Their smiles felt a little forced.

  

  

   "Welcome, ma'am."

  

  

   "Please let us know if you need anything."

  

  

   Elara nodded gently and moved between the clothing racks.

  

  

   The dresses were beautiful.

  

  

   Elegant fabrics.

  

  

   Soft colors.

  

  

   But most of them didn't seem to fit her.

  

  

   She pretended to browse anyway.

  

  

   At another rack, two young women whispered to each other.

  

  

   Elara tried not to listen.

  

  

   But their voices carried.

  

  

   "Isn't that her?"

  

  

   "Who?"

  

  

   "The billionaire's wife."

  

  

   The other woman looked in Elara's direction.

  

  

   "Oh my God… it is."

  

  

   Elara felt her stomach tighten.

  

  

   "I thought those wedding pictures were edited."

  

  

   "So did I."

  

  

   One of them giggled softly.

  

  

   "She looks even bigger in person."

  

  

   Elara quietly turned away and moved to another part of the store.

  

  

   Her chest felt tight again.

  

  

   Maybe this had been a bad idea.

  

  

   Maybe she should just go home.

  

  

   But as she approached the checkout, a sudden commotion outside drew everyone's attention.

  

  

   Camera flashes.

  

  

   Voices.

  

  

   Excited murmurs.

  

  

   The store employees hurried to the windows.

  

  

   Elara followed their gaze.

  

  

   A sleek black sports car had stopped outside.

  

  

   The door opened.

  

  

   And a woman she recognized stepped out.

  

  

   Elena.

  

  

   Her silver heels clicked confidently on the pavement as photographers surrounded her.

  

  

   Someone inside gasped.

  

  

   "Oh wow."

  

  

   "She's gorgeous."

  

  

   "She's always with Aaron Blackwood, right?"

  

  

   Another staff member nodded eagerly.

  

  

   "They've been seen together for years."

  

  

   Elara's chest tightened.

  

  

   Of course.

  

  

   Elena noticed the store and casually stepped inside, brushing past the photographers.

  

  

   As soon as she entered, the atmosphere shifted.

  

  

   Staff eagerly greeted her.

  

  

   "Miss Elena, welcome back!"

  

  

   "We just received a new collection you'll love."

  

  

   Elena smiled gracefully.

  

  

   Then her gaze swept across the store.

  

  

   Until it landed on Elara.

  

  

   For a brief moment, surprise flickered across her face.

  

  

   Then her familiar amused smile returned.

  

  

   "Well," she said lightly as she approached.

  

  

   "What a coincidence."

  

  

   Elara offered a polite but nervous greeting.

  

  

   "Hello."

  

  

   Elena's eyes briefly examined her.

  

  

   "You're shopping?"

  

  

   Elara nodded.

  

  

   "Yes."

  

  

   Elena tilted her head slightly.

  

  

   "That's brave."

  

  

   Elara's cheeks warmed.

  

  

   "Brave?"

  

  

   "Well," Elena said softly, "these stores don't usually carry… inclusive sizes."

  

  

   Several employees nearby looked away awkwardly.

  

  

   Elara felt her cheeks flush.

  

  

   "I was just leaving," she said softly.

  

  

   Elena stepped closer.

  

  

   "Oh no, don't rush because of me."

  

  

   Her voice was sweet.

  

  

   Too sweet.

  

  

   "I actually wanted to congratulate you properly."

  

  

   Elara hesitated.

  

  

   "Congratulations on becoming Mrs. Blackwood."

  

  

   Her smile grew a little.

  

  

   "That must feel… surreal."

  

  

   Elara didn't reply.

  

  

   Elena leaned in slightly, lowering her voice.

  

  

   "You know," she continued softly, "people in Aaron's world can be very cruel."

  

  

   Elara's fingers tightened around her bag.

  

  

   "But don't worry," Elena added lightly, "I'm sure he'll take good care of you."

  

  

   Her tone sounded more like a tease than comfort.

  

  

   Then she stepped back, her expression bright.

  

  

   "Well," she said cheerfully, "enjoy your shopping."

  

  

   She turned and moved toward another section, where staff surrounded her with dresses and compliments.

  

  

   Elara stayed there for a moment longer.

  

  

   Then she quietly headed toward the exit.

  

  

   Outside, the photographers still waited.

  

  

   A few spotted her immediately.

  

  

   "That's the wife!"

  

  

   "Mrs. Blackwood!"

  

  

   Cameras flashed again.

  

  

   Elara lowered her head and hurried to the car.

  

  

   The driver quickly opened the door for her.

  

  

   Within moments, they pulled away from the busy street.

  

  

   Elara looked out the window as the city blurred past.

  

  

   The black card remained untouched in her purse.

  

  

   She hadn't bought anything.

  

  

   And somehow, the world outside the mansion felt just as unfriendly as inside.