Chapter 46 Lavish and Pristine
JASMINE
We walked through the revolving doors of the mall, and goosebumps spread instantly across my skin at the sudden change in temperature. The cool air-conditioning washed over me, sharp and refreshing after the heat outside.
The place was exactly what the sign outside promised—lavish and pristine.
White and gold dominated the interior. The marble floors reflected the overhead lights like mirrors, and the walls shimmered with elegance. Everything looked unreal, like something taken straight out of a fashion magazine. Even the scent of the place was expensive—soft floral perfumes mixed with something clean and airy.
I slowed my steps, suddenly aware of how out of place I felt.
My hands tightened around the strap of my bag as my eyes darted around. People walked past us dressed in designer clothing, their heels clicking against the polished floors. I felt extremely underdressed and unworthy of standing there.
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.
I could feel eyes on me. Or maybe I imagined them. Either way, my heart began to race.
Darcy noticed immediately.
She guided me toward a row of white plush couches near the center of the mall and gently pushed me down to sit beside her. The cushions were so soft they felt like clouds.
She placed a careful hand on my knee, stopping it from bouncing uncontrollably.
“Don’t worry, Jasmine,” she said softly. “No one is looking at you.”
Her thumb rubbed slow, calming circles against my knee, and I realized how badly I needed that small gesture.
I exhaled, tension draining from my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I whispered, offering her a weak smile. “So… who are we waiting for?”
Darcy’s lips curved into a mysterious smile. “You’ll see.”
Before I could press her further, a calm, unfamiliar voice spoke from above us.
“I think that would be me.”
I looked up and froze.
A woman stood before us, tall and elegant, her posture straight and professional. She was breathtakingly beautiful—her straight black hair fell perfectly down her back, and her sharp cheekbones framed her face like a model’s.
Her lips were full and coated in deep red lipstick that made her pale complexion glow.
Her hazel eyes were cold, distant… and yet filled with something unreadable.
Darcy stood first, and I followed her quickly.
“Hello, Tailor,” Darcy greeted with a smile.
The woman’s lips lifted into what looked like a polite smile, though her eyes remained icy.
“Hello, Darcy. Please follow me.”
She turned and began walking, and we followed closely behind her.
As we moved through hallway after hallway, I couldn’t help but study her. There was sadness in her gaze—like someone who had lived a life full of disappointment and learned not to expect much from others.
My heart squeezed at the thought.
As we walked, I rummaged through my bag, suddenly panicked.
“Oh no,” I whispered. “Darcy… I forgot my wallet. How are we going to pay?”
Darcy laughed softly. “Don’t worry about that.”
She waved her hand dismissively.
“Damien owns this place.”
I stopped walking.
“…What?”
My mouth fell open as my eyes took in the surroundings properly for the first time.
The endless corridors.
The marble floors.
The elevators moving up and down like glass arteries.
The shops filled with nothing but designer clothes.
“All this…” I whispered. “Belongs to Damien?”
Darcy nodded proudly.
I felt dizzy.
No. Freaking. Way.
I had known Damien was rich, but this? This was a different level of wealth entirely.
We finally stopped in front of a closed door.
“Please wait here and change into the robes folded inside,” the tailor said coolly. “You will be attended to shortly.”
She left without another word.
Darcy and I exchanged wide-eyed looks before pushing the door open.
Inside was the most beautiful room I had ever seen.
Flowers decorated every wall, painted and sculpted into the design. Soft ultraviolet lights spilled purple, pink, and golden hues across the room, creating a dreamlike glow. The scent of lavender, rose, and citrus oils filled the air.
It felt like stepping into another planet.
Darcy gasped. “Oh my goodness…”
Two robes were neatly folded on a marble bench.
I handed one to Darcy and pointed toward a smaller room in the back.
“You go first.”
She nodded gratefully.
While she changed, I wandered around the room in awe. Two four-poster beds sat at opposite ends of the space, draped in silk sheets.
For a moment, I seriously considered jumping onto one and falling asleep immediately.
Darcy emerged in her robe, looking both excited and nervous.
I quickly changed too, folding my clothes and placing them aside.
When I stepped out, I froze.
Two large men stood beside the beds.
They were tall, muscular, and clearly trained. One had mocha skin and dark eyes; the other was lighter with dimples when he smiled.
Darcy grabbed my hand.
“Just calm down, ladies,” the darker-skinned man said kindly. “We’re here to give you massages"
“M-massages?” I squeaked.
He chuckled. “We help unlock your joints and relieve tension. It doesn’t hurt. Much.”
We exchanged nervous looks before lying down.
The first pressure made me gasp.
A loud pop echoed through the room..
“Oh my gosh!” Darcy yelled. “What was that?!”
“That was your spine thanking us,” the man replied calmly
Despite my fear, the warmth slowly melted into my muscles. My body relaxed until I felt like soup in a bowl. Later, we walked through the mall carrying shopping bags, both of us laughing like teenagers.
I felt light. Loose. Happy
.
Darcy left to greet a friend, and I wandered to a dress shop window.
A maroon gown caught my eye.
It was stunning—off-shoulder, with long sleeves and a slit up the thigh, glittering with tiny studs.
I stared at it longingly.
Too extravagant. Too beautiful. Too impossible.
When I returned to Darcy, she ended her phone call and smiled strangely.
“Come on,” she said. “Let’s eat.”
My stomach growled loudly.
She laughed.
And for the first time in a long time… I felt truly free.