Chapter 39: A Considerate Husband
As she slipped into the dress, Kourtney felt like a vision of pure radiance, ready to command the attention of any room she entered. The white dress was truly a work of art, making her look like a timeless beauty. It suited her so well as if it was made just for her, giving the impression of walking on a cloud.
Kourtney smiled happily. Lilian was indeed the best fashion guru. As she stepped out of the changing room, Lilian’s eyes widened, and she started screaming as expected.
“Oh my God! Yes, it’s perfect! You look amazing. It’s classy and has just the right amount of allure, making you look like a goddess. Your husband won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
Lilian couldn’t contain her excitement as the dress was such a masterpiece of elegance and grace on Kourtney. The sweetheart neckline added a touch of romance, while the fitted waist accentuated her slender figure.
The attention of all the other women in the store was fixed on Kourtney immediately after she stepped out. It was a famous luxury brand store named ‘Dior’ with high-end decor so only the rich and influential could afford their dresses. The light and cold tone of the store also gave off a clean and extravagant feel, so only the elite and dignified high-society women were present.
Some gave Kourtney envious stares, while others just simply admired her. Even the shop assistants were equally astonished by Kourtney’s beauty.
The head shop manager came forward excitedly. “Miss, we’ve seen a lot of women try our dresses. But no one has ever looked this good in any of them.”
All the other shop assistants also chimed in with their agreements. They weren’t just flattering her – it was the actual truth.
Kourtney curled her lips into a smile and went back into the changing room to slip out of the dress. Lilian followed suit and kept bubbling with excitement.
“Did you see how everyone looked so amazed by you in this dress? Kourtney, I’m going to turn you into a fashion goddess. Don’t forget the Woods family is known for their elegant, exquisite, and chic taste. You’d need to step up your game now that you’re their new young mistress,” Lilian’s eyes lit up with anticipation.
She’d always been obsessed with fashion and trends. She studied Design against her parents’ wishes just because of it. Giving Kourtney a complete style overhaul now that there was a need for it was like a dream come true for her.
“Shhhh shhhh… lower your voice, please. We’re in public.”
“And so? What if someone hears us? Everyone is going to find out about you soon enough anyway. Don’t forget your husband’s already announced that he was married, and people are dying to know who his mystery wife is,” Lilian wasn’t ready to keep calm.
After picking out a few more outfits from that same store, Lilian dragged Kourtney to the lingerie section. “Now, this is where the real fun begins.”
Kourtney blushed as Lilian thrust a lacy and sexy black nightie into her hands.
“Oh, come on, Lil, do I really need this?” Kourtney complained. The nightie looked like what a female prostitute would wear to meet clients.
Lilian winked. “Trust me, every woman needs something like this in her wardrobe. It’s all about feeling confident and sexy, especially as a newlywed. Look at this set! It’s perfect for a romantic evening with your husband.”
They both spent the next hour picking out an array of stylish and seductive lingerie, with Lilian enthusiastically encouraging Kourtney to step out of her comfort zone.
In the end, they both couldn’t carry all the shopping bags and had to keep them in a big cart.
Kourtney was already screaming internally about how the shopping spree would put a huge dent in their bank accounts. Only the white evening gown had cost 600, 000 dollars, it was fucking expensive. The other dresses, jewelry, and daring lingerie sets they purchased were also super-expensive.
‘But certainly, it’s worth it, right?’ Kourtney tried to convince herself. She wasn’t a big spender, and saving her hard-earned money was so important to her.
As they headed towards the long queue to checkout, Kourtney couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Maybe this new chapter in her life wouldn’t be so bad, after all.
She would move out of the Allen villa tomorrow and try to live a good life away from their toxicity.
Just when it was their turn to check out, two tall men dressed in a black suit and dark shades approached Kourtney. Having seen them on three different occasions, she quickly recognizes them as bodyguards of Sebastian.
‘H-How did they even know I’m here?’ ‘Have they been following me around?’ she thought nervously.
“Good day, Mrs Woods. You don’t have to pay for any of your purchases. It has already been settled,” one of them spoke politely while Kourtney and Lilian exchanged bewildered glances.
“Uh?? You mean we can take anything we like here without paying a dime?” Lilian was the first to snap out of her trance. Surely, they just called Kourtney “Mrs Woods.” She didn’t need to ask before knowing that these well-built and suited men worked for Sebastian Woods.
‘My friend is fucking telling the truth,’ she screamed internally, finally getting her last confirmation.
“Yes, Ma’am. The entire shopping mall belongs to President Woods,” the bodyguard replied.
“Holy fuck! Holy shit!” Lilian squealed with delight. “Did you hear that, Kourt? Your husband owns this whole place!”
Kourtney blinked, trying to process the information. “H-He owns this mall?”
The bodyguard nodded. “President Woods is involved in various business ventures, ma’am. This mall is just one of many.”
Kourtney’s mind raced. Sebastian’s empire seemed vast, and the extent of his influence was becoming increasingly clear. It wasn’t a secret that he owned and controlled a vast majority of businesses and companies around the globe, but still, she was a bit surprised.
Lilian’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She was already enjoying the perks of being best friends with a billionaire’s wife.
“I can’t believe this! The dreaded, powerful husband who sweeps the ordinary girl off her feet into a life of luxury and intrigue. You’re like Cinderella, Bestie!”
Kourtney’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at Lilian’s words. The man’s bodyguards were still standing right there, for goodness sake!
“Uhmmm…. Where’s Mr Woods? I want to speak to him. He doesn’t need to do all these. We can pay for our stuff,” Kourtney tried to negotiate.
She still didn’t feel comfortable enough to receive gifts and favors from Sebastian. Somehow, Kourtney felt suffocated.
“Are you out of your mind, Kourt?” Lilian opposed sharply. “He’s being such a sweet and thoughtful husband. The least you can do is be grateful.”
Kourtney shifted uncomfortably, her mind filled with conflicting thoughts and emotions. In the end, she had to accept it.
“Mrs Woods, please let me,” one of the bodyguards started picking up their bags from the cart, and then the two others as well.
The bodyguards led them to a silver-grey Maserati parked at the mall’s entrance and opened the door respectfully.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
“Mrs Woods… we’ll take you home now.”
“Omg!!! They also brought you a ride?” Lilian exclaimed.
Kourtney winced inwardly at Lilian’s embarrassing gestures. She breathed a sigh of relief as she thought about the Limo and wondered how excruciatingly crazy Lilian would act if that were what came to pick them up instead. Lilian would definitely have caused a scene with her yelling and embarrassed them both in front of the crowded mall.
She hesitated, glancing at their own modest car parked nearby, then smiled at the bodyguards dryly. “We came in our own car, so there’s no need for this. It’s right over there.”
One of the bodyguards shook his head. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but it’s President Woods’ orders. We’re to escort you in this vehicle.”
Lilian grinned, dragging Kourtney towards the Maserati. “Come on, Kourt, stop being a killjoy. Your husband is so considerate. You should be thankful. Let’s enjoy the ride!
Reluctantly, Kourtney entered the luxurious car. Inside, Lilian continued to gush over Sebastian, comparing him to Kourtney’s cheating ex-fiance.
“He never bothered to treat you well like this, did he? You deserve all this, Kourt. I’m so glad you’re finally getting what you deserve.”
“Oh my God…. I’m so glad you got dumped by that scumbag. Look what happened to you now? I told you he was a piece of bad luck in your life, didn’t I? You were just too good for him. Now, look how new doors of fortune and success opened up for you.”
Kourtney. “……..”
She had long known that Lilian hated Brandon with a passion. When she found out that they started dating, Lilian had advised her numerous times to break up with him. But at that time, the seed of love for Brandon had already been planted in Kourtney’s heart.
If only she could turn back the hands of time….. She’d have listened to her Bestie. She wished she had listened to Lilian and broken up with Brandon sooner before he could break her heart into a million pieces. But it was too late to regret now. Wasn’t it?