She glanced at the time. “Come on, let’s go do some shopping.”
Juliet perked up immediately. “Oh, okay!”
As she was gathering her things, Harrison came down the stairs.
Juliet straightened up instantly, putting on her best-behaved smile. “Hi, Harrison!”
He nodded, hands in his pockets. “Hey.”
Even dressed casually, there was no hiding the sharp, commanding presence about him—his features striking, eyes deep-set and magnetic.
The moment Anastasia looked at him, her cheeks flushed pink.
“We’re heading out to the mall!” she blurted, grabbing Juliet’s arm and making a beeline for the door.
But as she tried to slip past him, Harrison caught her wrist.
She startled. “What—”
Before she could finish, his shadow fell over her. He pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of her mouth.
“Be back early,” Harrison said, his tone both bossy and impossibly tender.
Anastasia froze, her face turning crimson.
“O-okay! Got it!” she stammered, yanking Juliet along as they all but bolted outside.
Once the door closed behind them, Anastasia snuck a quick glance over her shoulder. Only when she saw that Harrison was out of sight did she finally let out a long breath.
Juliet snorted with laughter.
Anastasia turned to find her cousin trying—and failing—to smother a grin.
“What’s so funny?” Anastasia demanded.
Juliet smirked. “You and Harrison are so cute together!”
She looked up at the floor above, temptation creeping in. “Okay, let’s have a look.”
The entire upper level was lined with bridal boutiques. The thought of taking wedding photos with Harrison made her pulse race.
Just then, Juliet’s expression changed. She tugged at Anastasia’s sleeve, whispering excitedly, “Look over there—!”
Following Juliet’s gaze, Anastasia spotted several familiar figures: Nora and her daughter Penelope, and—Benson!
“My brother’s helping Penelope pick out a wedding dress?!” Juliet spluttered, outrage flashing in her eyes.
Anastasia’s expression cooled. She pressed her lips into a thin line. “Come on, let’s go see what’s going on.”
Outside the bridal shop, Nora and Penelope were surrounded by a small group of society ladies—women from less prominent families, eager to curry favor. Nora beamed at their flattery, while Penelope blushed prettily, and the ever-dashing Benson stood nearby, playing the perfect gentleman.
As Anastasia and Juliet approached, the group immediately took notice.
“Anastasia! Juliet! What brings you two here?” Nora’s spirits were soaring—after all, her daughter was about to be engaged to Mr. Brennan. She couldn’t have looked more pleased.
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