#Chapter 44: Shopping for the Dance

The afternoon sun spilled its golden rays into the high-end boutique as Lucas and I stepped inside, the bell above the door chimed softly. Rows of stunning dresses adorned the store, each one more breathtaking than the last, with fabrics that shimmered and designs that seemed to be plucked from the pages of a fairytale. As I glanced at the price tags, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. There was no way I could afford the perfect dress for Winter Formal in this boutique. Everything here was wildly out of my price range, and I didn't want to be vocal and burden Lucas with my financial concerns. However, it seemed that he could sense my unease without a word from me. "I know what you're thinking, Shana," Lucas said, his voice soft and reassuring, his deep blue eyes filled with kindness and understanding. "How did you know what I was thinking?" I asked, surprised that he could read me so well. "That look on your face," he pointed to the lines of worry on my f