Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law novel Chapter 94

[Jasmine's POV]

I coughed in surprise and turned to Isabella. "Does Axel know that he's taking me?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm. "Because he hasn't said anything about taking me to a masquerade ball."

Isabella shook her head and clicked her tongue. "Boys," she muttered. "Don't worry, he will ask you soon. Axel already asked my dad to get an extra ticket for you. He's really excited to take you." She grinned at me as she came to a stop at a light. "And then, all four of us can go on a double date!" 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"All…four of us?" My stomach stiffened with apprehension.

"Yeah. You and Axel. Elliot and I. It will be so fun!" she said as she began to drive down the busy road.

I shifted uncomfortably. Why did it seem like fate was always bringing Elliot and me back together? It wasn't fair. The less time I spent around him, the better. And Gareth would be at the ball. The feeling of his warm hands roaming my body popped into my mind. I flushed and hoped that Isabella wouldn't notice. I couldn't go to the ball without complicating my life even more.

"Isabella, I didn't grow up like you. Dressing up, attending fancy galas, and charming everyone I meet. I wouldn't be a good date for Axel," I pointed out. "I'd be awkward around all of those influential people and make a fool of myself." I paused and let out a slow breath. "I just…don't think it would be a good idea if I went."

"Axel doesn't care about how he's perceived by people," Isabella noted. "Even if you fell flat on your face in your high heels, he'd help you up, and you guys could laugh about it together. You have to come, Jasmine! It won't be the same if you're not there. I'll make sure that you have a good time."

I sighed and studied Isabella's face. Why was this girl so hard to say no to? After a moment of silence, I sighed again, but this time, it was in defeat.

"Fine," I muttered. "I'll go. But only if Axel gets around to asking me."

"Yay! And he will. Trust me."

I leaned back in my seat and crossed my arms. I knew that I'd end up at the gala one way or another. Once Isabella was determined about something, even the Moon Goddess Herself couldn't stop her.

***

Twenty minutes later, we walked into a luxury store with Isabella's guards trailing behind us. It seemed like Gareth had ordered them to keep their eyes on his daughter at all times. After what I went through down in that cellar, I couldn't help but feel comforted by their presence. I never wanted to feel helpless and trapped again. I knew that they would prioritize Isabella's safety over mine, but it was still nice to have them.

The boutique had bright lighting, and everywhere I looked, I saw the color white. Their products were displayed on clear glass shelves, and I put my hands behind my back, afraid of touching anything in the store. Classical music drifted from the speakers above us, and a red-haired woman greeted us right when we walked through the door.

"Good afternoon, ladies!" she greeted us warmly. "It is so good to see you again, Miss Laken."

"Suzie!" Isabella beamed. "I've missed you. And how many times have I told you to call me Isabella?"

I shifted my weight from one leg to the other as I watched their exchange. I couldn't help but remember my last encounter with that awful saleswoman who had accused me of being a prostitute.

Isabella turned to me. "Suzie, this is Jasmine. She's going to the masquerade ball with my cousin, Axel. We're both here to find dresses for the gala."

I held my breath as I waited for Suzie's reaction to my cheap clothes and slightly torn backpack. I probably screamed 'low-status' to someone like her.

But Suzie's smile remained genuine as she turned to me. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jasmine. Any friend of Isabella's is a friend of mine. I would love to help you both find your dream gowns for the ball."

My shoulders relaxed slightly. I hadn't even realized I'd been so tense.

"Do you have any one-of-a-kind dresses?" Isabella asked. "I want to wear something that will be completely original."

Susie's face lit up. "I do! Something just came in that I think you'll really like. Let me go in the back to get it."

A few minutes later, she brought out a long dress and hung it on a rack for Isabella to inspect.

My mouth dropped open as I gazed at the breathtaking gown. It definitely was one of a kind. It was unlike any dress I'd ever seen. The gown was the color of the moon—a light silver with hints of white. Sparkling stones glinted at me from the bodice, and I had to stop myself from running my hand over them.

"Wow," Isabella breathed out.

"I know," Susie replied, gazing wistfully at the dress. "The stones are real diamonds. It's an original creation by Elinora Venti."

Isabella gasped and clapped a hand to her mouth in surprise. "The elite designer?"

I waited for Isabella to ask for more dress options. Instead, she turned to me. "Why don't you try on the dress, Jasmine? You have the curves to fill it out. I bet it would fit you like a glove." She spun around with a sad smile. "This beautiful gown deserves to be worn at the gala."

I froze. The dress was gorgeous, but it wouldn't feel right if Isabella bought me such an expensive dress. I was apprehensive about wearing something that demanded so much attention in public.

"Um…" I began, wondering how to politely refuse to try it on.

"Come on, Jasmine! Just try it on to see if it fits," Isabella encouraged with a smile.

"You should," Suzie agreed. "That dress deserves to be worn."

"Alright…" I stood up, my stomach swooping with excitement.

Once she took off the dress, Isabella waited outside as Suzie carefully helped me into the dress. I was afraid to even breathe as she slowly zipped up the back.

When I looked into the mirror, I let out a quiet gasp.

"It fits perfectly," Suzie murmured with awe in her voice. "You look…stunning."

The silver dress fit my every curve, and the diamonds glinted beautifully against my tan skin.

It was like the dress had been made for me.

I opened my mouth, but no words would come out. I was overwhelmed by the image staring back at me in the mirror. Could that elegant and confident woman really be me?

For the first time since I heard about the gala, I could picture myself actually attending and fitting in with all the influential guests.

Especially if I were wearing this dress.