Lily found herself lost in Chris's piercing blue gaze that seemed to have the depth of the ocean itself, her heart fluttering unexpectedly. "Yes," she breathed, barely aware she had spoken.
Chris's sensual lips curved into a gentle smile. "What else do you need, sweetie?"
Before Lily could respond, Chris's phone buzzed insistently. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm sorry, I have to take this. My guards will stay with you. Keep shopping to your heart's content."
As Chris stepped away, Jude bounced to Lily's side, her green eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh my god, Lil! Remember that gorgeous Givenchy gown we saw on Instagram? The one with the intricate beadwork and that to-die-for neckline? We should totally look for it!"
Lily nodded absently, her mind still reeling from the unexpected warmth in Chris's gaze. She allowed Jude to guide her through the store, barely registering the luxurious fabrics brushing against her fingertips.
Suddenly, the store's atmosphere shifted. Lily looked up to see massive television screens above her head flickering to life, displaying the latest designer ads. Her breath caught in her throat as a familiar face filled the screens.
Avery Sterling.
The ad was a masterpiece of beauty and elegance. Avery's golden hair cascaded in perfect waves, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to stare directly into Lily's soul. She moved with grace and confidence, every gesture calculated to showcase the designer's latest collection.
But Lily couldn't appreciate the artistry. All she could see was the face that had haunted her nightmares for years.
Memories crashed over her like a tidal wave. Suddenly, she was 13 again, cowering in the high school hallway as Avery's cruel laughter echoed around her. Years of torment flashed before her eyes – stolen homework, ruined clothes, vicious rumors that left Lily isolated and alone.
The most recent memory hit her like a physical blow—the one that drove Lily to get plastic surgery that changed her physical appearance for the better.
Avery's voice, dripping with disdain at Lily's own party: "Even if your father is a billionaire, you're still ugly, Lily. No man will ever think of fucking you in your life. Just stop trying!"
She could still hear the hoots and laughter of those around them as they recorded her and shared the footage on social media, making it go viral.
Lily's chest tightened, her breathing becoming rapid and shallow. The luxury store seemed to close in around her, Avery's beautiful face on the screens morphing into a sneering mask of cruelty in Lily's mind.
"I... I can't..." she gasped, barely able to form words.
Ignoring Jude's concerned calls, Lily bolted for the nearest dressing room. She slammed the door behind her, sliding down to the floor as her legs gave way. Her whole body trembled as she wrapped her arms around herself, trying desperately to shut out the world and the painful memories that threatened to overwhelm her.
In the small, enclosed space, Lily fought to regain control of her breathing. But Avery's words echoed in her head, a relentless reminder of the insecurities that still plagued her, despite her transformation.
As tears began to fall, Lily wondered if she would ever truly escape the shadow of her past.
Lily's quiet sobs were interrupted by a gentle knock on the dressing room door. "Lil? Are you okay there?" Jude's concerned voice filtered through.
Hesitating for a moment, Lily wiped her tears and slowly opened the door. Jude's worried face came into view.
"Oh, honey," Jude sighed, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. "It's high time you stopped running at the sight of Avery Sterling. You can't let her have this power over you forever."
Lily shook her head, fresh tears threatening to fall. "It's not just that, Jude. I'm ashamed of myself. All these years, I couldn't stand up to her. And even now, after everything she did, after I nearly died getting plastic surgery because of her... I'm still the same old Lily with no self-esteem."
Jude gripped Lily's shoulders firmly. "Listen to me, Lil. You need to stop this. It's time you stood up to her and showed her you're not that victim girl anymore. Just stop victimizing yourself…"
"How?" Lily asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm a victim already. I'm trapped in this contract marriage with Chris Eaton."
"When life gives you lemons, then just make lemonades out of it," A mischievous glint appeared in Jude's eyes. "Chris Eaton might have trapped you but being his wife is also a privilege, Lil. Use that! Use him to take Avery down a peg or two."
Lily recoiled, shocked at her friend's suggestion. "No, Jude. You don't understand. I don't want revenge. Vengeance never brings satisfaction. All I want is peace - peace from the Eatons, from Avery, from everyone."
Jude sighed in exasperation. "Lily, sweetie, it's this innocence that got you bullied in the first place. Your simple looks were never the real issue. It's time you quit being so naive and start living your life on your own terms."
Lily stared at her friend, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She appreciated Jude's concern, but the advice felt wrong, alien to everything Lily believed in.
"Jude," Lily said slowly, her voice growing stronger. "I understand you're trying to help, but that's not who I am. I won't use Chris, or anyone else, to get revenge. And I won't change who I am just to avoid being hurt."
She stood up straighter, a newfound resolve in her eyes. "My innocence, as you call it, isn't a weakness. It's part of who I am. And if that makes me a target for bullies like Avery, then so be it. I'd rather be true to myself than become someone I'm not just to fit in or fight back."
Jude opened her mouth to argue, but Lily held up a hand. "I know you mean well, but this isn't the right way. People like Avery Sterling deserve to be taught a lesson."
With a gentle scoff, Lily shook her head at her friend's misguided advice. "Come on, let's get back out there. I've hidden long enough."
As they left the dressing room, Lily felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She might still be a victim - but would never turn into a villain because of it, not for Avery, not for Chris, not for anyone.
It was time to face the world on her own terms—