CHAPTER 153. CLAIRE

CHAPTER 153. CLAIRE
"Why are we stopping here?"
I looked at Raviel in confusion as the car pulled up to a boutique.
"Getting you a makeover. We're going to a restaurant with a dress code."
"Why didn't you tell me? We can go to my apartment, and I'll change into one of the formal dresses I have in my closet."
"I want to buy you a dress I picked out myself. Come on, get out."
I got out of the car and walked side by side with him into a very luxurious-looking boutique. I bet all the dresses there were fantastically priced.
"Good afternoon, how can we help you?"
The receptionist greeted us warmly. She was very professional. She didn't try to flirt with Raviel like most women we met.
"We're going out to dinner. I need a dress for—"
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"—My woman."
My heart warmed when Raviel said that to the boutique receptionist. It made me feel like I was still important to him.
"Okay. We have several dresses that would suit you, Ma'am. Come with me."
I smiled at Raviel before following the woman into the boutique. There were many dresses hanging on hangers. They all looked beautiful, and I wasn't sure I could choose just one.
The woman took out several of their dresses and hung them on a metal bar with wheels.
"Would you like to choose one for me?"
"I'm sure you're beautiful in any dress, but I want you to try these three on."
Raviel handed me a knee-length fuchsia dress with simple spaghetti straps, a long turquoise dress with a V-neck and trumpet sleeves, and a knee-length cream dress with a red floral motif with ruffle accents along the neckline and flared at the waist.
The woman opened the curtains for me after I put on the fuchsia dress.
Raviel sat back on the sofa, one leg propped up on his thigh. He looked at me in amazement and nodded.
“That dress suits you.”
“So, shall we take this one?”
“I want you to try the others too.”
I tried on the second dress. It was a turquoise dress with a combination of tulle and satin. It was beautiful, but a little too fancy for dinner.
“What do you think?”
“You look beautiful in that dress.”
“Are you just trying to compliment me? You said the same thing when I tried on the fuchsia dress earlier.”
“I swear you look amazing in that dress. Let’s see the next one.”
The third dress was very cute. It was thigh-length and flared at the waist, like a child’s dress. I liked it because it made me look like a young girl, not a mother of one.
“How about this one?”
“You look very cute. It looks your age.”
“What does that mean?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
“I like you in that dress.”
“You said the same thing about all three dresses. You have to choose one, Rave.”
He stood up and approached me. His gaze was full of genuine admiration. I knew he wasn’t faking it at all. His eyes traced every curve of my body in adoration.
“I love them all on you. You exude a different aura in each dress,” he whispered in my ear.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end because he was standing so close to me. I could feel the heat of his body spreading through me. He stroked my arm with the back of his hand.
“We’ll take all three dresses. But for dinner, I want you to wear the first one.”
“You don’t have to bother, Rave. I have several dresses at home. You don’t need to buy me so many.”
He cupped my face in his palm, his eyes staring intently at me.
“Consider it a wedding gift from me.”
“You don’t have to,” I murmured hoarsely.
“I insist. You can wear them in front of your husband after you’re officially married.”
I tried hard to hold back the tears that were about to fall down my cheeks.
“Thank you.”
“Never mind. It’s just a dress.”
I shook my head slowly.
“Thank you for letting me choose my own path. I know it wasn't easy for you.”
“Nothing has been easy for me since you came into my life, Claire.”
He took my palm and brought the back of my hand to his lips.
“I've hurt you so much. For once in my life, I want to do something for you. If you truly want to be with Anthonio, I will grant your wish. I won't stand in your way.”
Tears fell down my cheeks the second he finished his words.
It was too painful for us. I always wondered why God brought us together and made us fall in love, only to tear us apart like this. It would have been better for us if we hadn't known each other and hadn't had those feelings at all.
“I'm sorry, Rave.”
“You don’t need to apologize to me because you did nothing wrong. I was the one at fault from the start. I took advantage of you by hypnotizing you. I put you in danger because of my past mistakes. And I abandoned you when you needed me most. I’m the bastard who doesn’t deserve your forgiveness in the slightest, Claire.”
I shook my head.
I pulled his nape closer and rested my forehead against his.
“I’ve forgiven all your past mistakes. I’ve forgotten them because I want to have a better life without hatred and resentment.”
“That’s a good choice. I admit living with hatred and resentment is no fun at all. I’m proud of you for choosing a better life. Aiden should have all your qualities.”
“I’ll raise him as best I can. I promise.”
“I trust you. I’m lucky that you’re the mother of my child. I don’t have to worry about Aiden’s future anymore, because he'll definitely be much better than me.”
“He inherited your intelligence.”
Raviel chuckled softly.
“Intelligence is nothing without a big heart like yours.”
I placed my palm on his chest and pressed it gently.
“I believe you have that, too, deep down.”