As Sophie parked the car in front of an upscale boutique, Sarafina's phone vibrated in her hand. She glanced at the screen.
Caleb.
Her breath hitched for a moment. She hadn't heard from him in a while not since the betrayal that shattered her trust.
Why is he calling me now? she thought bitterly.
The message popped up right after.
Caleb: Sarafina, please… I know I messed up. I need to talk to you. Please, just give me a chance to explain.
Her fingers hovered over the screen, but she didn't reply. Instead, she locked her phone and shoved it into her purse.
The phone buzzed again. A call this time.
Sarafina clenched her jaw. The past version of herself, the one who loved Caleb blindly,and she is not that woman anymore.
The boutique was luxurious, lined with designer clothing, shimmering accessories, and elegant footwear. Sophie wasted no time picking out outfits for both herself and Sarafina.
"Try these on," Sophie said excitedly, handing Sarafina a handful of stunning dresses.
Sarafina sighed but complied, stepping into the fitting room. One by one, she tried on each dress, stepping out to show Sophie.
First, a sleek red gown with a high slit.
Sophie wrinkled her nose. "Too bold for you."
Next, a navy blue mermaid dress.
Sophie shook her head. "Too formal."
Then, a short, glittering silver cocktail dress.
Sophie tilted her head. "Pretty, but not on you."
Sarafina groaned. "You're impossible."
Finally, she slipped into a long, white open-back gown. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly, flowing down to the floor in an elegant cascade. The open-back design exposed just the right amount of skin, and the subtle shimmer made her glow under the boutique lights.
She stepped out hesitantly.
Sophie's eyes widened, and then she grinned. "Now that is the one."
Sarafina turned to the mirror, taking in the breathtaking sight. She had to admit… it was perfect.
Sophie smirked. "Looks like I know your style better than you do."
Sarafina laughed softly. "Maybe you do."
Sophie clapped her hands. "Great! Now we just need shoes and accessories to complete the look."
Sarafina shook her head with a smile. There was no arguing with Sophie when she was on a mission.
Sophie was on a roll, selecting dresses not just for herself but for Sarafina as well. Every time Sarafina protested, Sophie waved her off with a playful grin.
"You're going to thank me later," Sophie said as she added a pair of elegant stiletto heels to the collection.
Sarafina sighed. "You're spoiling me too much."
"That's what sisters do." Sophie winked.
They were about to leave when Sophie's eyes landed on something displayed behind a glass case—a limited edition designer bag in a soft ivory shade, its sleek leather finish matching the dress Sarafina had just chosen.
"Oh, this is perfect." Sophie turned to the sales associate. "Wrap it up. I'm buying it."
Sarafina's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Sophie, that bag looks expensive."
Sophie shrugged. "So? It's made for you. Look at it—it matches your dress like it was meant to be yours."
Sarafina bit her lip, unsure. But Sophie simply handed over her black card without hesitation.
As they stepped out of the boutique, arms full of shopping bags, Sophie flashed a smug grin.
"You, my dear, are going to turn heads tonight."
Sarafina let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "I don't know how to thank you for all this."
"Easy," Sophie said, linking arms with her. "Just wear that dress with confidence and show the world how stunning you are."
Sarafina thought in her mind that if Sophie had not buy her the clothes and accessories she would have wear her usual clothing and the bullies would have ridicule her.
Thank you Sarafina said as she blushed
Sophie turned to Sarafina with a teasing smile. "Look at you, getting all sentimental," she teased.
Sarafina rolled her eyes, trying to suppress her smile. "I just said thank you. Don't make a big deal out of it."
Sophie laughed and pulled out her phone, dialing a number. As the call connected, her playful smirk widened.
Sarafina took the opportunity to excuse herself to the restroom, leaving Sophie alone.
The moment Sarafina was out of sight, Sophie leaned against the car and spoke into the phone with an exaggerated sigh.
"Yooo, lover boy," she drawled dramatically. "I just spent quite a lot of your money. I hope you got the debit alert?" She giggled before adding, "But you're not complaining, are you? Because it's for your crush… or should I say wife-to-be?"
She laughed at her own words before continuing, "Maybe if you get her already, you'll spend less time buried in work."
Sophie could practically hear the irritated sigh from the other end of the call.
This was going to be fun.she said to herself
Sophie chuckled, waiting for her brother's usual grumble or a sarcastic remark. But instead, there was a brief silence on the line.
Then, in a calm yet firm tone, he said, "Sophie, stop meddling."
Her smile faltered for a second. "Oh, come on, Tony. You're not even denying it."
"I don't have time for your games," he replied, though there was a hint of something else in his voice—something Sophie couldn't quite place.
She smirked. "Sure, sure. Keep pretending you're not interested. Anyway, we're heading to the restaurant now. You should join us."
"No."
"Fine," Sophie huffed. "But one day, you'll thank me for this."
Tony simply hung up.
Sophie shook her head with a knowing grin just as Sarafina returned.
"All good?" Sarafina asked, adjusting the bracelet on her wrist.
"Perfect," Sophie replied, linking her arm with Sarafina's. "Now, let's go. The night is just getting started."
They hop in into the car.