I Swear, Let Me Love You Again

LYDIA’S POV.

I strutted through the mall, wearing a pair of perfectly fitted jeans and a simple yet white sophisticated top. The classic blue jeans hugged my curves in all the right places, while the top gave me a classic and polished look. As I browsed the stores in search of Lorena who had informed me of a bunch of surprises for me. But now I couldn’t reach her since she was picking up my calls.

I glanced through a small fast food restaurant but she wasn’t still present. Turning around trying to call her again, I was met with a familiar face, Georgia, much to my dismay. She was accompanied by a girl who looked so much like her that it had to be her younger sister for sure. This city felt so small because everywhere I go, I seem to bump into someone I know.

“Lydia…OMG, are you okay?” Georgia inquired looking at me with worried eyes while holding my arms. Just maybe if I didn’t know her better, I would have truly believed that she cared.

“Sis, she’s the ex wife of Nathaniel King who got abused?” The girl besides her said

I was right that she was her sister because aside from the similar physical traits such as blonde hair, light brown eyes with a hint of orange just like that of a fox, flawless skin and model-like shape. The two were as faker than they come.

“Yes, B.” Georgia said to her sister then turned her attention back to me,” Are you good though? You don’t even look like you’ve been through all of that. Don’t worry, if you need money for therapy, we will help you start a gofundme and with the sympathy of everyone who now detest the King Family, I’m sure you will have more than enough.”

Before I could utter a word, she spoke again, “Or except one of your many … . umm.. wealthy acquaintances could help you.”

I was baffled at the words that came out of my mouth. Was that how people really saw me? Not that I cared much but it just crossed my mind how people really saw me, first as the abused ex wife of Nathaniel King who is now going after wealthy men and now she’s talking about a Go Fund Me pleading for money and using lies about Nathaniel…I was shocked…I literally had no words.

My father would laugh so hard if he heard this, which won’t be too far off as people were talking. That’s all the media talked about.

“You know, right now I’m still processing everything you just said. So.. umm…just thank you and I will reach out to you when I gather my thoughts.” I stumbled upon my words, the two sisters nodded in understanding with an expression that held humor and worry, if that was even possible.

“Alright, you have my number right?” I didn’t, but I nodded affirmatively.

“Good, take care. Have a nice shopping spree.” I gave a fake smile and bid her goodbye turning on my heels. I got a text message from Lorena informing me she was on the fourth floor at a store named, Chic Thread Boutique.

That name sounded too familiar but I couldn’t recall where I had heard it. I headed towards the elevator and luckily there was no one in it. I pressed the button and the door shut, taking me up. As soon as I got off the elevator, I took in my surroundings, fixing my new blue Prada bag I had received from my father for becoming C. F. O, on my left hand.

I finally arrived at the luxurious boutique and I was wowed. The lights are dimmed, and soft music is playing in the background. The displays are clean and well-organized, and I couldn’t just wait to purchase an item. The air smells like fresh flowers, and there’s a calm, serene atmosphere.

“Lydia!” Lorena squealed excitedly and I matched her energy stretching out my arms for an embrace.

“Wait, wait…Don’t tell me..” I trailed off looking around and she grinned widely nodding frantically.

“O Lord, Lorena, I’m so happy for you. This is all so beautiful. You finally did it.” She smiled and pulled me for a hug.

She had always dreamt of having multiple chains of stores occupying her own fashion line which were all her designs. This was her first store and I was simply proud of her.

“Thank L. Like you motivated me so much back then and I’m glad I was able to do it. My parents were over the moon excited when I informed them but luckily you’re the first to be in here.” I smiled proudly at her.

“It’s all you, My most determined bestie.” I gave her a side hug.

“But enough of all of that, first of all you’re looking good.” She complimented me, giving me an overlook.

“You do too, boo.” From her curly hair to her outfit along with those lovely Jimmy Choo High Top boots, she was definitely looking like the fashionista which most definitely is.

“Thank you, love. Now let’s get you in some corporate clothing. Show them how a sexy Chief Financial Officer looks like.” She purred and I giggled muttering, “Period.”

As we went through the store, she spoke passionately about each item in the store, sharing the details of its design and construction. I could see the love and care she put into each piece, and I couldn’t help but smile as she gushed about her work. I could sense the stress and anxiety she had gone through in bringing her vision to life, but her passion for her craft shone through. It was clear that this store was more than just a place to buy clothes; it was a labor of love.

“Now I made these specially for you. So try them on.” She brought out about five gowns, three shirts and five pants. I looked at it with already tired eyes, and she ushered me into the changing room sitting down like a boss lady on a white soft couch at the back of the store with a bottle of champagne and my bag next to her seated on the table next to her.

“You’re gonna love them, don’t you trust me?” I exhaled knowing she was about to make me her model for the day.

“Yes, I trust you.” I grumbled and she smiled widely.

“Good now, let’s begin. There are still so many to try on.” She clapped and exited out of the beautiful changing room. The interior designer needs to be rewarded handsomely because the designer actually got every single detail Lorena had ever spoken about.

I huffed shutting the curtains. The first item I put was of the corporate gowns she had designed. The gown was a work of art I must add with the finest black fabric. It featured a plunging neckline, fitted waist, and flowing skirt that moved with every step. The sleeves were long and dramatic, adding a touch of glamor to the overall look. Truly she had designed it for me because it was my taste.

“O. M. G, Girl, do a quick spin because this is just beautiful.” I smiled at how her face lit up as soon as she saw me.

“Do you like it?” She inquired, stepping closer to me with the intention of helping me pack my hair back into a ponytail.

“I love it. You know me too well.” She smiles admiring her design.

“I do, I do. Now, next!”

**********RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

AN HOUR LATER.

“Georgia has always been a busy body, in everyone’s business. Can you believe she approached me at my engagement party insinuating that Darren could be cheating on me?” My eyes went wide in shock while Lorena nodded.

“I almost slapped her dumbass. People always expect Darren to cheat me because you know how athletes get around.” I nodded in understanding.

“Darren is obsessed with you so that wouldn’t even happen.” She simply smiled at my words staring straight ahead.

“He’s different now though…I don’t know how to explain it.” I was almost asking what was going on but voices were heard from the front of the store and an employee walked into where we were seated.

“Ma’am, two women just arrived…They asked to speak to you.” Lorena was just excited to receive customers so she rose to her feet.

“Let’s go, you have to record this. This is my first time actually conversing with a regular customer, so for memories.” I giggled at how serious she was, I opened my purse and brought my iPhone 13, following behind her.

“Good afternoon and welcome.” Lorena smiled brightly and my cheerful mood fell when I saw who the two ladies were.

“I am Rachel King and this is my best friend Jenny–”

“Lydia.” Jennifer cut off Rachel who scrunched up her face in confusion. Until her eyes met mine.

“No freaking way, Lydia! It’s been like so long.” Jennifer spoke again looking at me from head to toe. I knew I looked different, my family and friends had truly been taking good care of me. I had grown weight in the right places, my skin was flawless, my hair had grown longer and my aura held pride and confidence.

Rachel remained quiet, this had to be the most quiet I had ever seen on her. She just kept staring at me.

“You know what, we will just take a glance through the store and let you know whatever we want.” Rachel said to Lorena who was busy adding two and two.

Lorena and I walked back to the back of the store until a particular set of gowns caught my attention.

“Lorena, these are so pretty. I have to get them.” Lorena chuckled about to speak but the presence of two fellows stopped her.

“We would like to get those.” Rachel pointed at the clothes I had just spoken about and the female employee who was following behind them said,

“Ma’am, Miss Lydia just picked them now.” I instantly waved her off.

“Oh.. no, it’s fine. They can have it.” I spoke and Lydia stared at me with raised eyebrows and I nodded.

“I mean it’s not like she can afford it.” I heard Jenny whisper to Rachel and they giggled.

“I will be right back.” Lorena announced and I nodded scanning through the other section of the luxurious fits.

“Can I get this?” I inquired from another employee and he nodded about to take it off the rack.

“I will also like to get that one as well.” Jenny spoke out and I almost laughed, now fully understanding their tactics. I ordered the employee to hand it to them and he instantly did.

I went around the store picking an outfit and every single thing I picked, they ordered for it as well. After about thirty minutes later, Lorena now returned with her eyes on her phone obviously reading the text message I had sent to her. I had questioned her about which is the most expensive dress and told her my plans.

“Insufficient funds.” The cashier announced to Rachel and Jennifer who had obviously taken more than they could afford.

“Sorry? That’s not possible, try again.” Jenny told the cashier with a huge attitude, Lorena and I stood behind with our faces holding humor.

“Ma’am, same thing. Insufficient funds.” The cashier repeated and I smirked, turning my attention back to the store.

“You’re so childish, Lydia. You must have forgotten I am a King and with just one phone call, all these would be sought out.” I laughed boisterously and Lorena quickly muttered a sorry then turned on her heels in order to prevent herself from laughing in a customer’s face. The various customers around watched noisily, some even laughed while pretending to pay attention to the clothes in front of them.

Rachel tried to call someone but the call dropped.

“Alright, Miss King.” I wasn’t about to argue with these two after all they were trying to play with me first.

Rachel tried to call again and unbeknownst to me, the call went through and she called for help.