Nova's POV The boutique smelled the same as always—steam, expensive fabric softener, and the faint metallic tang of the steamer in the back. I had the garment bag clutched against my chest like it could protect me. Inside it was everything I still owed them: the blouses, the trousers, the jackets, and the black dress Harper had ruined weeks ago.I just needed to return what I could, explain the dress, and get out. I had enough cash from the last two shifts to cover a portion. The rest I would figure out later.The shopkeeper, Ms. Elaine, looked up from the counter when the bell above the door chimed. Her smile faded the second she recognized me.“You’re late returning these,” she said, already reaching for the bag.“I know. I’m sorry. There’s a problem with one of the pieces.”I pulled the dress out. The stain was still there, dark and ugly across the front, the fabric warped where someone had scrubbed too hard. Ms. Elaine’s face went tight.“This is a four-hundred-dollar dress.”“I’
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