Chapter 36

Serena kept her head down the whole way, still blushing from how Matthew had teased her earlier. What was supposed to be a fun shopping trip turned into something seriously exhausting with him tagging along. Just ten steps behind, there were a few bodyguards trailing them, eyeing everything and everyone like hawks. Matthew’s hand was clamped tightly around hers, and honestly, it felt like he thought she might bolt any second. Her palm got all sweaty from it. They stopped in front of a fancy haute couture boutique, and without giving her a choice, he dragged her inside. “Try on some dresses.” He said it so casually, then finally let go of her hand and flopped onto the sofa. But yeah... that was just the beginning of the nightmare. Everything that had been making her uneasy before? Child’s play compared to what came next. Just for one dress, she ended up trying on more than ten. “This one’s too short. Next.” “Too sheer. Change it.” “Sleeveless? Nope. Another.” “Neckline’s too low. Try ag