Shopping...Again Pt. 2

The mall buzzed with weekend energy, a mix of casual shoppers and dedicated fashion seekers, as you and Liam entered the next leg of your shopping adventure. Laden with bags from earlier purchases, you still had much ground to cover. Damian Kane’s world demanded nothing less than perfection, and you were determined to meet the challenge, budget constraints be damned.

The two of you started at a boutique specializing in high-end accessories. Rows of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets gleamed under soft lighting. Liam, ever practical, leaned toward versatile pieces you could pair with multiple outfits.

“Let’s start simple,” he said, holding up a pair of elegant gold stud earrings. “They’ll go with almost anything.”

You nodded, your fingers brushing over a delicate silver bracelet with a small, heart-shaped charm. It felt too dainty for your usual taste, but it matched the feminine image you were cultivating. “What about this?”

“It’s perfect,” Liam said, grinning. “Not too flashy, but it says, ‘I know my worth.’”

After some debate, you added a set of pearl drop earrings and a minimalist choker with a subtle crystal pendant to your growing collection. Liam joked about how much easier his life had been when accessories meant grabbing a wallet and keys.

Next, the two of you turned your attention to separates—blouses, skirts, and tailored pants that could double for semi-casual events or daytime meetings. At a mid-range boutique, you found a cream-colored blouse with delicate lace detailing around the neckline. Paired with a black pencil skirt, it struck the perfect balance between professional and chic.

“You’ll need at least a couple more tops like this,” Liam said, flipping through the racks. “And maybe a blazer.”

You groaned but didn’t argue. By now, you’d learned that even the tiniest detail mattered in Damian’s polished circles. Eventually, you settled on another blouse in soft pastel pink and a pair of high-waisted trousers that emphasized your subtly shifting figure.

Although you’d already picked up two pairs of heels, Liam insisted on another stop at a luxury shoe store.

“We can’t have you recycling shoes every other event,” he reasoned.

The sales associate, an impeccably dressed woman with a warm smile, quickly sized you up. “I think I have just the thing,” she said, disappearing into the back.

She returned with a pair of nude stiletto pumps and another in classic black with a modest ankle strap. You tried them on, marveling at how your cursed gait made walking in heels feel second nature. Liam whistled when you stood, fully aware of how the added height and posture accentuated your presence.

“Are you sure you weren’t born for this?” he teased, earning a glare that only made him laugh harder.

The next stop of the day was the mall’s luxury makeup counter. Despite the earlier purchases, Liam insisted on stocking up on some high-end essentials to ensure you’d look flawless under any lighting.

“Foundation is key,” the consultant said, matching your shade with practiced ease. “You’ll also need a setting spray and primer for events like the gala.”

As she worked, she offered tips on contouring and eyeshadow blending. You soaked in the advice, silently marveling at how much effort it took to achieve the effortless beauty people expected from someone in Damian Kane’s orbit.

By the time you finished at the makeup counter, you now had another eyeliner and a high-quality liquid lipstick in a flattering shade of mauve. The consultant threw in a travel-size perfume sample, which Liam pocketed with a wink.

As you and Liam took a breather near the mall’s central fountain, bags piled high around you, the enormity of the day hit you. You still had more to buy—jewelry, a clutch, and a final dress for less formal outings—but there was no denying the progress.

Liam leaned back, his expression a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. “You know,” he said, “for someone who fought this whole transformation tooth and nail, you’re surprisingly good at this.”

You snorted, fiddling with the hem of your blouse. “Blame the curse. I’ve had a lot of ‘practice.’”

The two of you shared a laugh, though your mind wandered. Despite the frustrations, there was a strange, undeniable thrill in the process—a sense of stepping into a new role, one that demanded you embrace every inch of your altered self.

“Well,” Liam said, standing and grabbing the bags, “ready to finish up?”

You groaned but followed him, knowing there was still more to be done before you could finally leave the mall.

The mall was starting to quiet down as the day wound into evening, but you and Liam were far from done. The last stretch of your shopping trip loomed ahead, and with it, the pressure to perfect every detail of your appearance for Damian Kane’s world. You tugged at the strap of one of the many bags cutting into your palm and gave Liam a look.

“We better not forget anything,” you muttered. “I’m not doing this again.”

Liam laughed. “Don’t worry. We’ll cover all the bases. Besides, it’s been fun seeing you suffer.”

You rolled your eyes, ignoring the warmth in your cheeks. Liam’s teasing had a way of cutting through your frustrations, even as it fueled them. Still, you couldn’t deny the strange camaraderie of the day.

The two of you made a beeline for a high-end boutique specializing in formalwear. The displays were immaculate: gowns that flowed like water, cocktail dresses with intricate beading, and minimalist sheaths that screamed sophistication. A saleswoman approached, her practiced smile widening as she took in the armfuls of bags.

“Looking for something specific?” she asked.

“Elegant, versatile,” Liam said before you could answer. “Something that says, ‘I belong at a gala.’”

You shot him a glare, but the saleswoman nodded knowingly and whisked you toward a row of dresses.

The first one you tried was a deep emerald green sheath with a high slit. It hugged your body in ways that made you hyperaware of how much it had changed in recent months. The neckline dipped low, showcasing the faint curve of your chest—your new bra fitting perfectly. Liam gave an approving nod.

“Not bad. Turn around.”

You hesitated but obeyed, feeling the fabric move with you as you spun. The slit revealed just enough of your leg to be enticing, but not over the top.

“Definitely a contender,” Liam said. “But try the next one.”

Next came a soft lavender A-line with delicate lace overlay. While it didn’t hug your figure the way the green dress had, it had an ethereal quality that Liam insisted would make you stand out.

“You’re going for versatility, remember,” he said. “You can’t just wear skin-tight dresses everywhere.”

After much deliberation—and a few arguments—you walked out with both dresses. They stretched the budget, but Liam insisted they were worth it. You couldn’t disagree.

With your wardrobe almost complete, the two of you headed to a jewelry boutique for a clutch of statement pieces. You looked at more necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that could elevate your looks without overshadowing them.

Liam handed you a sleek gold chain with a small pendant. “Simple, but classy.”

You paired it with a pair of teardrop earrings, their subtle sparkle catching the light without being too ostentatious. Next came a chunky silver bracelet that added just enough edge to balance the softer elements of your outfits.

“Don’t forget a clutch,” Liam said, pointing to a display of handbags.

You picked a black satin clutch with a delicate gold clasp. It was small but functional—enough room for a phone, lipstick, and the other essentials you’d need for a night on Damian’s arm.

Just when you thought you were done, Liam steered you toward a boutique specializing in outerwear and casual accessories.

“You’ll need something for when it’s cooler,” he said, holding up a lightweight beige trench coat. “You can’t just show up in a gown and heels and freeze your ass off.”

You sighed but tried it on. The coat fit perfectly, cinching at the waist and flaring slightly at the hem. It was surprisingly comfortable, and you had to admit, it pulled the look together.

You also grabbed a soft cashmere scarf in a neutral gray. It felt indulgent but necessary, especially given the upcoming events where every detail mattered.

One last stop at the shoe store, and you found a pair of strappy silver heels that were both elegant and comfortable—a rare combination. Liam raised an eyebrow as you twirled in them, testing your cursed ability to walk in heels.

“Still think you’re not cut out for this?” he teased.

You smirked. “Shut up.”

By the time you finished, the two of you were laden with bags containing a vast array of feminine attire, all of which you believed you needed for this trial.

You leaned against a bench near the fountain, catching your breath. Liam dropped the bags beside you, grinning.

“Well, we did it,” he said. “Almost.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Almost?”

Liam nodded toward the food court. “We’re not leaving here until we celebrate with a pretzel or something. We’ve earned it.”

Despite your exhaustion, you couldn’t help but laugh. The day had been long, frustrating, and more than a little surreal, but for the first time, you felt prepared—almost excited—for what lay ahead.

The heavy shopping bags were cutting into your palms as you and Liam trudged through the mall, your feet protesting even in your comfortable sneakers. But the allure of a gooey, cinnamon-scented reward from Cinnabon had both of you marching onward.

“We’ve earned this,” Liam said, glancing down at his watch. “I don’t even care how bad it is for me.”

“Same,” you said, visions of sticky, frosted rolls dancing in your head.

As you passed Sephora, the sleek store lined with glittering rows of makeup and beauty products, an impeccably dressed employee stepped out with a dazzling smile.

“Excuse me!” she called out, her eyes locking onto you like a hawk. Before you could process what was happening, she closed the distance between you two.

“You!” she exclaimed, gesturing at you with a perfectly manicured hand. “You have such stunning features. I’d love to give you a quick demo—totally complimentary.”

“I—uh—what?” you stammered, stepping back instinctively.

“Don’t be shy,” she said, expertly looping an arm through yours and steering you toward the store. “We’re doing a special showcase of red-carpet makeup today. Trust me, you’ll look amazing!”

“Wait, I—”

Before Liam could intervene or you could protest further, you were whisked inside and seated in a plush chair under a series of flattering lights. A team of smiling makeup artists descended upon you with brushes, palettes, and tools like they’d been summoned for this exact moment.

“You’ll be done in no time,” the first artist assured, her voice as smooth as silk. “We’ll just enhance what you already have.”

Liam, who had followed you into the store, leaned against a nearby counter, crossing his arms with an amused smirk. “Well, this is happening.”

First, they prepped your skin, dabbing on a hydrating primer before blending in a flawless foundation that smoothed out every imperfection.

“Your bone structure is incredible,” one of the artists said, angling your face toward the light. “Seriously, your cheekbones are to die for.”

They contoured your face with precision, adding depth to your cheeks and defining your jawline. Highlighter was applied to the high points of your face, creating an ethereal glow.

Next came the eyes—oh, the eyes. They layered on soft champagne and bronze eyeshadows, blending them seamlessly into a sultry cat-eye effect. Black liquid eyeliner flicked out at the edges, emphasizing your almond-shaped eyes, and long, fluttery false lashes were carefully applied.

“You’re going to love this,” another artist said as she carefully filled in your brows, shaping them to perfection.

For your lips, they chose a bold, cherry-red lipstick with a glossy finish, lining your mouth to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips.

“Just one last touch,” one of them said, misting your face with a setting spray.

When they finally spun your chair toward the mirror, you barely recognized yourself.

Your skin was luminous, like you’d just stepped out of a movie set. Your eyes were hypnotic, framed by expertly blended shadows and lashes that made every blink seem like an invitation. The red lips were daring yet elegant, a perfect contrast to the understated glow of your complexion.

Liam let out a low whistle. “Wow. You look…” He trailed off, his usual cocky demeanor replaced with genuine awe.

You stared at your reflection, unable to deny how stunning you looked. Objectively, you had to admit—it was a damn good makeover. “I… guess they know what they’re doing,” you muttered, brushing a strand of your long hair out of your face.

Liam barked out a laugh. “You’re seriously trying to downplay this? You look like you’re ready to strut onto a red carpet.”

The artists beamed, clearly satisfied with their work.

As you rose from the chair, a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment flooded through you. “Thanks, I guess?”

“Anytime,” the lead artist said with a wink. “Now go knock ‘em dead out there.”

With Liam chuckling beside you, you left Sephora feeling like you’d just stepped into an alternate reality where this was somehow normal. The weight of your glam look was both empowering and unsettling, and as you glanced back at the storefront through your false lashes, you couldn’t help but feel like this was just another strange twist in your ever-evolving life.