Veil of Deception

Chapter 3

I roll my eyes and pull a dress off the rack. "Fine. How about this?"

Alex glances at it for all of two seconds. "No."

I groan. "You didn't even-"

"No." Alex has already moved on.

He pulls a sleek black dress from the rack, holding it up with a considering look. "Let's start with something classic," he says. His voice is thoughtful, not pushy. "You'll look great in this."

I take a glance at the dress, running my fingers over the smooth fabric before shaking my head. "It's nice, but not what I'm looking for."

Alex nods, unfazed. "Alright. Let's keep looking."

We move through the store, flipping through hangers as the soft hum of the mall buzzes around us. I know what I want-I just haven't seen it yet. My fingers trail over a navy-blue dress, pausing for a second before putting it back. It's close, but not quite right.

Alex gestures toward another section. "Let's check over there."

I grab a few more dresses as we weave through the racks, finally heading to the fitting rooms. Alex waits just outside, offering his usual measured opinions when I step out.

The first dress-a fitted number with way too many embellishments-earns an immediate, unimpressed shake of his head.

"The blue one's a no."

I sigh but don't argue. He's right. It's overkill.

The next dress is deep emerald green, the rich color drawing me in. For a moment, I think this might be it. But when I step out and catch my reflection, something feels off.

Alex notices instantly. "Not feeling it?"

I exhale, tilting my head as I study myself in the mirror. It's a stunning dress, but it's not me.

I shake my head. "It's not the one."

He doesn't question it, just nods once. "Keep going."

And I do. Because I know I'll find the right one-I always do.

I try on a few more before finally settling on a simple, elegant red dress-form-fitting with a subtle asymmetrical neckline and a high slit that adds just the right touch of allure. The fabric is smooth, lightweight, and drapes beautifully, skimming over my curves without clinging too tightly. It's understated but suits me. When I step out, Alex gives a single nod of approval.

"This one." His voice leaves no room for argument.

I exhale, relieved that the search is finally over. "Yeah. This one."

We head to the counter, and as Alex pays, I stand beside him. He looks at ease, but there's an underlying precision to him-like a soldier always scanning the perimeter. It's instinct, woven into him so seamlessly that most people wouldn't notice. But I do.

The boutique's warm lighting fades as we step into the mall's main walkway-a vast, open space buzzing with life.

Alex walks beside me, effortlessly carrying the shopping bag in one hand. Like he'd ever let me carry it myself. His other hand holds his phone, scrolling through something, but I don't miss the way his posture shifts. It's subtle-the way his grip on the bag adjusts, the slight pause before his gaze flickers up.

My stomach tenses.

"What?" I ask, keeping my tone light.

Alex doesn't answer immediately. He exhales through his nose, his expression unreadable. "Nothing."

Liar.

The unease slithers down my spine, slow and suffocating. He felt something. And now, because of him, I feel it too-the creeping sensation of being watched.

I let my gaze flicker naturally, tracing the mirrored storefronts, the blur of people moving past us. I don't know what I'm looking for-until I do.

Then I see them again.

Those same eyes from the café. Watching. Unwavering. Locking onto mine.

My breath hitches-so slight, barely noticeable.

And then, just like that, they're gone. Like smoke dissipating before I can prove it was ever there.

But Alex notices."Elara?" His voice is steady, careful. He's already placing himself between me and whatever threat he hasn't yet identified.

I school my features, shaking my head. "Nothing. Let's go."

Alex doesn't call me out on the lie.

But as we walk, he subtly steps closer, his body angled just enough to shield me. The way his grip on the bag tightens.

And I can't shake the feeling that this isn't over.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE :

Dun dun dun… Do you feel that? The creeping tension? That little shiver down your spine? Yeah, you should.

First of all, let’s take a moment to appreciate Alex. The effortless dominance. The way he doesn’t ask—he knows. The way he shifts into protective mode without a second thought. Swoon.

But back to business—Lyra’s instincts are screaming, and yours should be too. Because, sweetheart, this is just the calm before the storm.

Stay alert. Stay paranoid. Someone’s watching.