Chapter 123 123. Family Shopping
Tabitha’s POV
Later that day, the whole family heads to Kaileani Galleria. The atelier still has our clothes for last minute alterations, so the plan is to shop for accessories instead. On paper, it sounds simple. In reality, it feels like marching into a spotlight.
I grow self-conscious almost immediately. People look as we pass, and it is impossible not to notice when we move like a single unit through the mall. Alpha Emery and my mom walk ahead, leading the way like they own the place, while I stay between Evren and Luca, with Reed and Jace flanking us. To be fair, not everyone is gawking at us shamelessly, some are trying to play it cool and pretend to mind their business. But they are certainly doing a terrible job when I can still feel their inquisitive gazes latching onto my skin. I guess the curiosity stems from the fact that this is the first time all of us are seen together in public, and the attention clings to us like heat.
Unlike me, Mom does not seem to mind the looks we are getting. It’s as if the mall belongs to her and the stares are nothing more than background noise.
“I hope they still have that pair in nude,” she says casually as she walks beside Alpha Emery, her eyes drifting to every store we pass by. “The dress is already doing enough. I don’t want the shoes fighting it.”
“Don’t worry. I think this place has enough choices to suit your taste,” Alpha Emery replies.
She nods and keeps walking, her arms wrapped around her husband’s arm casually. Damn, they look like a normal married couple. It hurts my head to think how beneath this facade, my mom is secretly plotting Alpha Emery’s downfall… and worse, Alpha Emery might even be planning something worse.
And despite the unmistakable stench of danger, here’s my mom talking about shoes and bags. Holy shit, how can she even look so unbothered after everything? She’s such a good actress that it makes me wonder how long she has been acting. And if the mother I had since my father died was real… or was it just another mask she built out of her grief and boiling grudge?
I mentally shake my head while glancing at a flower shop as we pass by. The bouquet on display actually looks good and the flowers fit together so well that I end up admiring it before I even realize I am doing it.
My thoughts stop short when my mom slows and points toward a luxury fashion store. A pair of heels and a matching bag sit in the display. Her eyes sparkle.
“Those would go well with the dress!” she exclaims, sounding pleased.
Alpha Emery follows her gaze. “Want to check it out?” he asks.
She nods. “Yes, I think so.”
Then she turns to me. “Why don’t you and the boys browse around for a bit? I am probably going to take my time here. The event is tomorrow, and we need to lock everything in today.” She purses her lips and briefly looks at the brothers and back at me. “Maybe you can look for jewelry while I handle the bag, and we will cover more ground that way.”
I warily glance at my stepbrothers. Evren and Luca keep their expressions in check, but Reed and Jace don't bother pretending. They stare at me like they are waiting to see what I will do next.
“I don't mind coming in with you,” I say, my voice small. “I can help you look for, uh, shoes.” No I can’t. I’m a fashion noob. But I’d rather stay close to her.
My mom smiles and shakes her head. “I know, darling, but this part is boring. Go have fun and find something you like. We will meet up after.”
Alpha Emery hums in agreement. “Let these troublemakers carry bags if you need them,” he says, nodding at his sons. “Might as well make them useful for once.”
He reaches into his wallet and hands me a credit card. “don't stress over the price tag,” he says. “If it catches your eye, grab it.”
I hesitate, the card heavy between my fingers.
I look at the brothers again, and this time all four of them are watching me closely. Even Luca and Evren drop their restraint.
I sigh and take the card. “Okay,” I say.
My mom and Alpha Emery head into the store, and I turn away before I can second-guess myself. I walk a few steps ahead, trying to find a jewelry store that looks less terrifying than the rest.
I scratch the back of my head while scanning the endless row of boutiques. The stares keep coming, and I do my best to ignore them.
“I am literally the worst person to be in charge of jewelry shopping,” I mutter. “I wish Evelyn were here. She would know what to do.”
“If she was here, we'd be stuck in this mall until all the stores close,” Jace quips.
“Yeah, well, at least she’d know what to do.”