Chapter 3 SHOPPING

ALIANA

"Wow, I haven't seen you this vibrant in ages," Jenna states, lowering her sunglasses as she examines me as if I'm one of the figures in the shop window. "I swear by god Aliana, you shine." "Who is this person who has made you like this?"

I chuckled, fixing the silk top she'd persuaded me to wear. "There's no him, Jenna."

"Oh, there's always a guy," she replies with understanding. "You have been trapped in a marriage without love for seven years." One ordinary morning, you rise, discard the unseen widow's veil, and begin to smile once more? "Sweetheart, those aren't vitamins - that's a guy."

Sighing dramatically, I spin around in front of the mirror. The top hugs in all the right areas, smooth champagne satin on my skin, accentuating the gentle curve of my waist. For a brief instant, I barely recognise myself. I have colour in my cheeks once more.

"Would you mind not saying 'loveless marriage' so loudly?" I murmur. "The walls are listening."And ears that love to gossip."

Jenna's laughter is so thunderous that heads swivel. "You believe I'm afraid of your husband?" He's fortunate I'm not the person he married. "I would have burnt him by the second year."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You would have ended up in prison by the third year."

"True," she states. "However, in all seriousness, take a look at yourself." You're beautiful, Aliana. "The world is ready to witness you once more."

She raises her phone before I can object, taking picture after picture while I partially conceal myself behind a clothes rack.

"Jenna, stop!" I declare, making an attempt to take her phone. "I look like I'm modeling for a women's fragrance advertisement aimed at recalling their value."

"That's precisely what you are," she replies, scrolling through filters quicker than my mind can comprehend. "We're sharing this because it's outrageous that the world is unaware of what a strong beautiful woman you truly are." she says, swiping through filters quicker than my mind can keep up. "We are sharing this because it's outrageous that the world isn't aware of the fierce person you've turned into."

"Do not even think about-"

Tap. Post.

"It's too late," she remarks with a mischievous smile. "Welcome back to civilization after your debut." Hashtag: finally liberated, hashtag: glowupqueen, hashtag: DominicWho?

I moan. "You're a troublemaker."

She wraps her arm around me with affection. "I'm your avenger. You're too nice. Just get a divorce already."

We move through the aisles, laughter mingling with the soft background of the shop's music. Jenna is a powerhouse - captivating, compelling, all that I once was before I married her brother. Before, I centred my whole existence on trying to hold onto a man who didn't wish to be held.

"Give this a shot," she suggests, showcasing a red dress that ought to be banned. "Should Dominic catch sight of you in this, he'll gag on his lover's fragrance."

"Which one is it?" I inquire in a flat tone.

"Oh, look alive darling, you'd love the person you'll see in the mirror." She replies, straight-faced, and we both burst into laughter.

As I enter the fitting room, I feel a mix of anxiety and curiosity. The dress clings to me as if it has spent its entire existence eager to make a statement. The neckline plunges boldly, and the backless design seems nearly rebellious.

Jenna lets out a whistle as I walk outside. "Oh. Mine. Deity. That's all. That's the one. "Aliana, you look like the offspring of vengeance and redemption."

I can't suppress the grin that appears on my face. For a change, I understand what she means. I appear... strong. Similar to the woman I misplaced amid concession and sorrow.

"Okay," I reply gently. "I will accept it."

Jenna inhales sharply. "She said that she would accept it!" "Somebody notify the media!"

When we finish, the couch next to the cashier is filled with shopping bags. Gowns, pumps, and even undergarments - all thanks to Jenna's insistence.

"You can't go without lingerie," she'd stated. "Every uprising begins with lace."

I nod in disbelief, face flushed as the sales assistant wraps the final pair - black, lacy, outrageous.

"Jenna," I whisper. "That's absurd." "Who is this for?"

"Yourself," she replies right away. "Or the next individual fortunate enough to witness it." Regardless, it's not in vain.

Her words resonate more profoundly than I anticipated. Perhaps it was because for such a long time, all my actions were for Dominic - wearing modest attire since he liked it, smiling even when I felt like yelling, and quietly blending into the background while he stood out.

Not anymore.

I dig into my bag for my card, experiencing an unusual sense of pride. "Okay, let me settle my bill before you persuade me to purchase everything in the shop."

The cashier grabs my card but hesitates, appearing puzzled. "Um, ma'am?"

"Yes?"

"Your bill has been taken care of."

Jenna closes and opens her eyes. "What did you say?"

"Taken care of?" I reply, scowling. "By whom?"

The cashier verifies the system. "Michael Hamilton."

For a moment, I truly believe I misunderstood. "Excuse me - who?"

"Mr. Hamilton Michael, ma'am." He called previously and directed that your purchases be billed to his account. He stated, and I quote, 'Ensure she doesn't disagree.'"

Jenna's mouth hangs open. "Wow, I can't believe this."

"What on earth-how did he even-" I stutter.

Jenna nearly shrieks. "You indeed have a man!"

"I do not!" I exclaim, warmth rushing to my face. "I encountered him once for an interview!" "That's unbelievable!"

"Unbelievably romantic," she amends, grasping her heart. "Billionaire enigmatic figure covers all expenses while you're on your journey of self-discovery?" "Darling, this feels like a Wattpad fantasy."

I shake my head, feeling overwhelmed, gazing at the neatly arranged bags that clearly aren't mine to pay for.

Michael Hamilton. The mysterious CEO who possessed half the city's skyline, the individual whose image appeared on Forbes covers, and never appears with any woman despite keeping his distance has been keeping tabs on me.

"You won't be going anywhere without more lingerie," she'd stated.

I shake my head, face flushed as the sales clerk wraps the final pair - black, intricate, daring.

"Jenna," I whisper urgently. "That's absurd." "To whom am I dressing like this for again?"

"Like I said, yourself," she replies right away.

Before I can formulate thoughts, a well-known deep voice cuts through the atmosphere.

"Well, isn't this unexpected."

I turn around, and my heartbeat falters. Dominic is at the doorway, with his arm wrapped around a tall brunette I don't recognize. She's chuckling at something he mentioned until she notices me - and stops in her tracks.

"Aliana," Dominic says nonchalantly, his gaze darting across the shopping bags. "Didn't think I would run into you here."

"I didn't think I'd find you sober," I remarked before I could hold my tongue.

Jenna lets out a snort.

The brunette moves uncomfortably, attempting to free her hand from his arm, but Dominic holds on tighter. "You're out shopping," he remarks, as if it's illegal. "Alongside my sister."

"I was invited by your sister," I state calmly. "You don't control my weekends."

His jaw clenches. "However, I'm still watchful of my funds."

I grab one of the bags and smile gently. "Actually, someone else cares.

He scowls. "What is that meant to imply?"

Jenna advances, as arrogant as always. "It signifies that someone truly values her enough to invest in her happiness." "Give it a shot one of these days, brother."

Dominic's nostrils expand. "Jenna-"

"Keep it," she retorts. "You had the opportunity to treat her well."You opted for the display of fragrance-laden pests instead."

The brown-haired girl lets out a slight indignant noise, but Jenna dismisses her.

I ought to be upset. Or sad or envious. However, I do not. I simply feel... fed up.

"Have fun with your shopping," I say as I turn away. "I have places to get to."

Dominic takes hold of my wrist, speaking softly. "Do you believe that leaving resolves anything?" "You are still my wife, Aliana."

I gaze directly into his eyes. "Only in name, remember?"

His expression wavers, if only for a moment - that familiar sense of control he once held over me vanished like vapour.

Then I break away and stroll off, the sound of Jenna's heels tapping victoriously next to me.

Outdoors, the refreshing wind feels like a cleansing ritual. Jenna interlocks her arm with mine, smiling widely.

"You managed that like royalty," she remarks. "I've fantasized about putting Dominic in his place for years, but you?"You accomplished it in heels."

I chuckle unsteadily. "I hadn't even thought it through, but I feel relieved ".

"That's your true self," she replies gently. "Not the silent shadow he attempted to portray you as."

I breathe out, gripping my bags. "I'm not sure what is going on anymore." "Michael covering all the costs, Dominic arriving... I simply hoped for a peaceful day of shopping."

Jenna pushes me softly. "Perhaps the universe determined it was the moment for your lead role and that love would find you again. I believe Michael Hamilton has a thing for you."

I look at her, part entertained, and unsure. "Do you honestly believe I'm prepared for that?"

She grins. "Oh, sweetheart. You were destined for it. "You simply overlooked it."

While we walk towards her car, I can't shake off my thoughts about Michael - the man who financed my defiance without a request. The guy I hardly know yet can't help but think about it endlessly.

For years, I pleaded with Dominic for bits of love, for evidence that I mattered more than just utility. And what now?

A stranger had done more for me in a single quiet gesture than my husband had in all seven years.