Chapter 2
1109 Words
Ember POV
The day I had been eagerly anticipating finally arrived. I woke up with the first light of dawn, my excitement making it impossible to stay in bed any longer. That day, John and I were shopping for his suit and my dress for Alya’s wedding. I took extra care getting ready, selecting a flattering outfit and applying my makeup with meticulous attention to detail. As I waited in the lobby for John’s driver, I couldn’t help but smile at the familiar routine that had become such a comforting part of my life.
John’s sleek black car pulled up precisely on time, and I slid into the back seat, exchanging polite greetings with Edmund, the driver and also bodyguard for Solandia’s beloved prince. The drive to John’s apartment felt like a luxury in itself; the plush leather seats and the smooth ride were in stark contrast to the hectic pace of my usual mornings.
When we arrived at John’s lavish penthouse, he was waiting in the lobby, looking effortlessly handsome even in casual clothes. A simple white shirt and jeans never looked so good on anyone else. He flashed me a charming smile as he joined me in the car.
“Good morning, Ember. Ready for some shopping?” he replied when I greeted him.
“Absolutely, John,” I replied, feeling my cheeks flush slightly. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”
We arrived at the upscale boutique right at nine; the store opened its doors exclusively for us. The staff greeted John with the kind of reverence reserved for royalty, which, of course, he was. As John tried on various suits, I admired how each one seemed to fit him perfectly, accentuating his real demeanor and impeccable style.
After four fittings, John finally selected a sleek, tailored suit that made him look every bit the prince he was. “What do you think, Ember?” he asked, turning to me for my opinion.
“It’s perfect, John,” I said, genuinely impressed. “You’ll look incredibly dashing.” I would have gushed right then and there, but I reserved it for when I got home.
With John’s suit chosen, it was my turn to find a dress. We transferred to the adjoining store where the dresses were. The thought alone made me nervous, knowing the price tags in the place were likely beyond my wildest dreams. However, I had set the appointment as instructed, determined to do my best.
The dresses were stunning, each one a masterpiece of fabric and design. I could barely breathe as I looked at the price tags, each one representing a year’s salary. I tried on a few, each more beautiful than the last, but I couldn't bring myself to choose one.
John seemed just as indecisive, watching me with a critical eye as I modeled each dress. Finally, he stood up and approached the shop manager. “I’m sorry. All the dresses are beautiful, but we cannot decide now. We’ll be leaving and will return should Ember decide which one to choose.”
The shop manager acknowledged what John said, saying a few things, before bowing low. I hurried to catch up with John as he exited the shop, confusion and concern warring within me. “John, are you okay?” I asked, trying to keep pace with his long strides.
He stopped and turned to me, his expression unreadable. “Do you have your passport with you, Ember?”
“Yes, I always carry it with me, just in case,” I replied, my heart racing with anticipation. John was known for his spontaneity, often jetting off to different parts of the world at a moment’s notice.
“Good,” he said, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “We’re going to New York. Please make the arrangements.”
“New York?” I echoed, barely able to contain my excitement. “Right now?” Shopping in New York would be a dream come true; however, I knew there was more to it. John always had business to attend to, even in the most thrilling of circumstances.
“Yes, something came up just now. I have some business to take care of there, and it’s the perfect place to find you a dress,” he explained. “We’ll hit two birds with one stone.”
Despite the slight twinge of disappointment that the trip wasn’t purely for pleasure, I couldn’t help but feel thrilled at the prospect of shopping in one of the fashion capitals of the world. “I can’t wait,” I said, my excitement bubbling over.
The flight to New York was a whirlwind of luxury and efficiency. John’s private jet was a marvel of modern comfort, and I found myself marveling at how different my life had become since I started working for him. By the time we landed, I was practically buzzing with anticipation.
Our first stop was the regional headquarters of John’s company, a towering skyscraper that embodied power and prestige. While John attended his business meetings, I took the opportunity to catch up on work, my mind drifting occasionally to the shopping spree that awaited us.
After a few hours, John emerged from his meetings, looking as composed as ever. “Ready for some serious shopping?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
“Yes!” I replied, feeling a thrill of anticipation. Shopping in New York with John was an experience I knew I would never forget.
We visited several high-end boutiques, each one more glamorous than the last. I tried on dress after dress, each one more exquisite than the last. John watched with a critical eye, offering his opinions and helping me make decisions. His involvement made the experience even more special: his taste was impeccable, and his compliments were genuine.
Finally, we found it–the perfect dress. A stunning evening gown that fit me like a glove, the fabric shimmering in the light. John’s approval was evident in his eyes, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
“That’s the one,” he said with admiration in his voice. “You look beautiful, Ember.”
“Thank you, John,” I whispered. This moment, this dress, everything felt like a dream.
As we left the boutique, dress in hand, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. My life had taken so many unexpected turns, leading me to places and experiences I never could have imagined.
New York had always felt like a second home, but that day, it felt like the beginning of something even more special.
- Writer
