Marina's POV
The mall was bustling with energy, the sound of chatter and laughter mixing with the rhythmic hum of background music. I had come here to escape—to lose myself in something as simple and unassuming as shopping. But even as I sifted through racks of dresses, I couldn't shake the tension lingering in the back of my mind.
Aiden had been distant lately, and while he reassured me it was the stress of work and I shouldn't worry too much, I couldn't help but feel that something—or someone—was working against us.
I exhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside. Today wasn't about that. Today was about treating myself, even if only for a moment. I pulled a sleek black dress off the rack, holding it up to examine it. The fabric was soft and flowing, perfect for a charity gala or something like that.
"Of course, you'd pick that one, it's more of your taste. Old fashioned." a voice sneered behind me.
