Not A Small-Town Girl

attention of everyone nearby. The security guards at the entrance stared, momentarily stunned.

One guard quickly approached the car. As the doors opened, a man stepped out, his face hidden by a hat and mask, followed by a woman whose beauty seemed almost otherworldly. The guard couldn’t help but gawk.

Danielle noticed the lingering stares, but before she could react, Xavier, still recovering from the dizzying ride, snapped, "What are you staring at?"

The guards snapped out of it and stammered apologies. "Sorry! We didn’t mean to stare."

Xavier, protective as ever, pulled Danielle close. "Come on, Danielle. Let’s head in. Anything you want, it’s on me," he declared grandly.

As they entered the mall, heads turned everywhere they went. Even with Xavier’s face mostly hidden, his tall, striking figure caught attention. And Danielle’s beauty was impossible to ignore.

They wandered leisurely until they reached a luxury boutique. The moment they stepped inside, a salesperson approached, her eyes lighting up as she took in their expensive outfits.

"Welcome! These are some of our latest arrivals," she said warmly. She gestured to a rack of clothing and added, "This dress, for example, is a limited- edition piece designed by Celia Clark herself. It’s truly one of a kind."

Danielle raised an eyebrow. She was familiar with Celia’s work. The designer had been making waves in the fashion world ever since winning a major competition last year. But to Danielle, her designs felt unremarkable, lacking in real creativity.

Sensing Danielle’s lack of interest, the salesperson quickly pivoted, showing off other options.

Xavier, meanwhile, spotted a sleek white dress on display. His eyes lit up. "Danielle, this one is perfect for you," he said, holding it up and looking at her like an excited puppy.

Danielle couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. Taking the dress, she headed to the fitting room.