Page 40 of Queen of Vice

I nodded, appreciating his professionalism, knowing he had to have an opinion on this whole situation. I turned and approached the grand entrance to the boutique. The streets around me were eerily quiet, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle as if the entire area had been cleared out just for my arrival. Mateo's doing, no doubt. As I pushed open the door, I paused, taking in the interior.

The boutique was a vision of refined luxury, from the sleek modern fixtures to the soft lighting that bathed everything in a warm, inviting glow. One wall displayed the words "You Are Beautiful"in elegant script, while the other featured a series of mirrors.

It wasn't the luxurious decor that made me stop in my tracks—it was the sight of Peyton and Melody waiting for me, their expressions a mix of relief and something else I couldn’t quite place. Beside them stood three fresh-faced staff members, each smiling politely, ready to cater to my every whim.

Peyton was the first to break the silence, stepping forward with a smirk. "We were wondering when you'd show up."

I froze, momentarily at a loss for words. "What are you two doing here?" I managed to ask, my voice betraying the surprise and confusion I felt.

Melody stepped forward, a wry smile playing on her lips. "We were summoned by yourfiancé," she replied, drawing out the word with deliberate emphasis. Her eyes roamed over me and her smile tightened.

Peyton clapped his hands together loudly. "Alright, folks—let's get to work!"

His voice was upbeat, almost as if this were any other day spent shopping, but I knew him well enough to see it was an act.

The staff, who had been waiting attentively, immediately sprang into action. One of them, a young woman with a sleek bob and impeccable style, approached me with a warm, professional smile. "Miss Castello, it's a pleasure to assist you today. We’ve already taken the liberty of preparing a selection based on your measurements and Mr. Escuros’ preferences."

"You... already have my measurements?" I asked though I shouldn't have been surprised. Of course, Mateo would have thought of everything.

"Yes, Miss," she replied smoothly. "We've curated a collection that we believe will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. If you’d like to follow me, we can get started right away."

The staff member led me into a beautifully appointed room lined with full-length mirrors on three sides, the fourth wall dedicated entirely to an array of luxurious clothing. Each piece was more stunning than the last, a dizzying array of fabrics and colors that nearly made me forget why I was there. The lighting was soft and flattering, designed to make every angle perfect, and I couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed.

Peyton and Melody followed close behind, their eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and wariness. The staff member—her name tag read Isabella—turned to me with a polite smile. "Would you care for some refreshments while you browse, Miss Castello?"

Before I could answer, Melody chimed in, her voice breezy but firm. "Yes, that would be lovely. We'll have sparkling water, please, and perhaps a fruit platter if you have one."

Isabella nodded and gestured to another attendant standing by the door. The young woman hurried off, returning moments later with a tray carrying glasses of sparkling water and an assortment of fresh fruit, arranged artfully on a silver platter.

Isabella then began explaining the different options laid out before me, speaking of the designers, the fabrics, and how each outfit could be tailored to fit my exact specifications. It was clear this wasn’t just about finding something to wear; it was about projecting a specific image—a role I was meant to step into.

As she spoke, I reached for a glass, feeling the bubbles tingle against my palm as I wrapped my fingers around the stem. Peyton suddenly turned to the staff; his smile was polite but his tone left no room for negotiation. "We appreciate all your help, but we need a bit of privacy now."

The room fell silent, the staff exchanging brief glances before bowing their heads slightly in acknowledgment.

One by one, they filed out of the room, leaving the three of us alone. The quiet that followed was almost suffocating, filled with all the things we weren't saying. As the doors clicked shut behind the last of them, I turned toward my friends just as Melody surged forward.

She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “Jesus Christ, El. I was so worried about you after that last text.”

“I’m okay,” I lied.

She let me go and then looked down. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the ring Mateo had placed on my finger. “Do you realize how much that ring is worth?” she asked, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief.

I shook my head, feeling a bit out of my depth. “No,” I replied honestly.

“Is that really what’s important right now, Mel?” Peyton questioned,

“Our best friend is engaged to the man we were just warning her about less than twenty-four hours ago? I would fucking say so, Peyton.”

“That goes without saying,” he countered, then turned his sights to me. “How exactly did this happen?”

“Yeah, what happened last night?” she asked, her voice tinged with both concern and curiosity.

I took a seat on the egg-shaped sofa, needing a moment to gather my thoughts. The memory of the night before was still fresh, but it felt like something out of a dream—or a nightmare. "We had dinner, and then he took me to his home," I began, trying to keep my voice steady as I relayed the events.

Peyton raised an eyebrow. "So, he jack-rabbited you?" he remarked offhandedly.

I shot him an incredulous look. "Seriously?"

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