Zara was scrolling through her emails when Xavier entered the room, looking as composed as ever. Without any buildup, he announced, "We're attending a ball tonight. Be ready by seven."
Zara's head shot up, her eyebrows raised. "A ball? You're kidding."
"Do I look like I'm joking?" he asked dryly.
"No, but..." she gestured to her casual outfit, "I didn't exactly pack for Cinderella vibes. I'll need something to wear."
"Then we'll shop," he said simply, already reaching for his car keys.
"I suppose this means I get chauffeured in one of your outrageously expensive cars," she teased, following him out.
When they reached the driveway, Zara stopped short at the sight of the Cadillac InnerSpace. The futuristic design, sleek body, and shimmering black finish made it look more like a spaceship than a car. She wasn't fazed, though—she'd seen her fair share of extravagant vehicles.
"Ah, yes," she quipped, sliding into the passenger seat. "The perfect car for blending in with the common folk."
Xavier glanced at her as he started the engine. "Would you rather walk?"
"No, thanks. I'd hate to deprive you of the chance to show off," she retorted, earning the faintest flicker of a smile from him.
---
The boutique was the epitome of luxury, with marble floors, gilded accents, and mannequins draped in gowns that looked like they belonged in a museum. Zara was promptly escorted to the VIP section, where a suite-like changing room awaited. Xavier followed, clearly uninterested but resigned to his fate.
"Don't look so excited," Zara teased, disappearing behind the curtain with a selection of gowns.
From his seat on the plush couch, Xavier replied, "I'm ecstatic. Truly."
The first gown Zara stepped out in was a black strapless dress that hugged her curves like a second skin, with a plunging neckline and a slit that climbed dangerously high. She struck a pose, her eyes glinting with mischief. "What do you think?"
Xavier's gaze flickered over her briefly before he looked back at his phone. "Too impractical. You'd trip on the slit."
"Liar," Zara said, smirking. "You didn't even look properly."
He didn't respond, and Zara chuckled as she returned behind the curtain.
The next gown was even more daring—a scarlet number with a low-cut back that dipped just above her waist and sheer panels on either side. "How about this one?" she asked, stepping out with a playful twirl.
Xavier barely glanced up. "You'd freeze in that."
"It's an indoor event," Zara countered, arching a brow.
"Still too cold," he insisted, his tone neutral.
Rolling her eyes, Zara disappeared again. The third gown was her most dramatic choice yet—a shimmering gold dress with a deep V-neckline and an open front that showed off her legs with every step. "Alright, Xavier," she said, leaning on the armrest of his couch, "if this doesn't make jaws drop, nothing will."
This time, Xavier looked up properly, his eyes scanning her outfit briefly before he leaned back in his seat. "It's a safety hazard."
Zara stared at him in disbelief. "A what?"
"The amount of attention you'd attract might cause an accident," he said matter-of-factly, returning to his phone.
She burst out laughing, retreating behind the curtain once more. "Fine. I'll find something safe enough for you."
Finally, Zara emerged in an elegant yet modest gown—a deep emerald green dress with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a cinched waist that accentuated her figure without revealing too much. The gown flowed gracefully to the floor, and its understated design was both classy and stunning.
Xavier looked up, his expression softening just a fraction. "That'll do."
"'That'll do'? High praise from you," Zara said with a smirk.
He didn't reply, but his silence spoke volumes.
As they left the boutique, Zara couldn't help but laugh at the memory of his responses. "You're impossible, you know that? But at least I know how to keep you on your toes."
Xavier started the Cadillac without a word, but the faintest trace of amusement lingered on his face as they drove off.