A soft knock echoed at Elena's suite door.
She was adjusting the hem of her dress when Brittany's voice came through.
"The chauffeur is waiting, Elena."
Elena hurried to the door and opened it, stepping out with a breath of mild frustration.
"This was the best dress that could fit," she said, smoothing the fabric over her chest.
It was a soft blue wrap dress—comfortable, but clearly not her first choice.
Brittany gave her a once-over and chuckled.
"We'll get you new ones at the mall," she said, linking her arm with Elena's. "Let's go."
Elena smiled faintly, grateful for Brittany's ease.
They walked down the hallway together, heels clicking gently against the marble, the late morning light spilling through the windows.
Elena felt like she was doing something for herself.
And maybe—just maybe—she was ready to embrace the changes.
The mall was buzzing with weekend energy—families, couples, and the occasional fashionista strutting past designer windows.
Elena walked beside Brittany, her steps measured, her eyes scanning the storefronts with quiet curiosity.
They entered a boutique with soft lighting and racks of elegant, body-friendly fashion.
Not maternity wear exactly—but pieces designed for comfort, stretch, and style.
"This place is perfect," Brittany said, already flipping through hangers. "They've got dresses that breathe. You won't feel like you're fighting your own clothes."
Elena gave a small smile. "That's all I've been doing lately."
She pulled out a cream-colored wrap dress and held it against herself.
The neckline was flattering, and the fabric looked forgiving.
She stepped into the fitting room and slipped it on.
It fit—mostly.
A little snug around the bust, but it draped nicely elsewhere.
When she stepped out, Brittany lit up.
"That's it. That's the one."
Elena turned toward the mirror, studying herself.
Her body had changed—her breasts fuller, her waist softer—but she still looked like herself.
Just… a version in progress.
"I don't hate it," she said quietly.
Brittany grinned. "We're getting it. And five more."
They spent the next hour trying on dresses, tops, and soft trousers—pieces that moved with her, not against her.
Each time Elena stepped out, her confidence grew.
By the time they left the boutique, bags in hand, she felt lighter.
Not because her body had changed.
But because she was finally dressing for the woman she was becoming.
After leaving the boutique, Brittany and Elena wandered into the food and snacks section of the mall's upscale grocery wing.
The air smelled like cinnamon and chocolate, and the shelves were lined with everything from imported biscuits to gourmet popcorn.
Elena's eyes lit up.
"I want some snacks, Brittany… can I get some?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
Brittany smiled, nodding without hesitation. "We're out here for you. Mr. Moretti said to get whatever you need… so feel free, Elena."
Elena paused, her heart fluttering—not from the snacks, but from the feeling.
It was silly, maybe.
But it felt like being a little girl again.
Back when she'd walk past shelves like these, wishing she could pick anything she wanted.
Back when her father would smile apologetically and say, "Maybe next time."
But this time, there was no "maybe."
She smiled—genuinely, deeply.
"Okay," she said, almost breathless.
They moved through the aisles, and Elena began filling the cart with everything that caught her eye—chocolate-covered almonds, strawberry wafers, spicy plantain chips, gummy bears, and a few indulgent pastries she'd never even tried before.
Brittany watched her with quiet amusement, her arms folded, letting Elena have the moment.
"You're going to need a second cart," she teased.
Elena laughed, tossing in a box of vanilla cookies. "Don't tempt me."
For the first time in a long while, Elena wasn't thinking about her body, or Luca, or the whispers.
She was just… happy.
Elena placed the last box of cookies into the cart, her fingers brushing the edge of the packaging as she stepped back to admire her haul.
She was still smiling, the kind of smile that came from deep inside—warm, unguarded.
But then, something caught her eye.
Across the store, near the bottled drinks section, stood a familiar figure.
Zara.
Her coursemate.
The girl who had been kind to her when others weren't.
Elena's smile faded slightly.
She turned instinctively, ready to wave or walk over.
But just as she moved, Zara turned too—away from her.
Quickly.
Almost deliberately.
Elena froze.
"Was that on purpose?"
She watched as Zara walked briskly toward the exit, her posture stiff, her head slightly down.
No eye contact.
No smile.
No acknowledgment.
Elena's brows drew together.
"Is something up with her?" she thought.
She stood there for a moment, her cart full of snacks suddenly forgotten.
The warmth she'd felt minutes ago cooled just a little.
Not enough to ruin the day.
But enough to leave a question hanging in the air.
Brittany glanced at Elena, her smile fading as she noticed the change in her expression.
"What's wrong?" she asked gently, stepping closer.
Elena turned slightly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I… it's nothing," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I felt a slight discomfort in my tummy."
It was a lie.
But it was easier than explaining the strange tension she'd just felt.
Brittany's concern deepened. "Oh… we should leave immediately."
She reached for the cart and began pushing it toward the counter, her pace quickening.
Elena followed quietly, her eyes drifting once more toward the exit Zara had disappeared through.
She didn't know what had shifted.
But something had.
And now, even with a cart full of comfort, the air felt different.
The car glided smoothly through the city streets, the late afternoon sun casting golden streaks across the windshield.
Elena sat quietly in the back seat, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery, though her mind was far from it.
She was replaying the moment at the store—Zara's sudden turn, the absence of a smile, the way it felt intentional.
"Why would she avoid me?"
"Did I do something?"
"Was it just coincidence?"
Beside her, Brittany glanced over, her brows furrowed with concern.
"Are you sure you're okay, Elena?" she asked again, her voice soft.
Elena didn't respond at first—lost in thought, her fingers absently tracing the edge of a snack bag in her lap.
Brittany reached out and touched her arm lightly.
Elena blinked, snapping back to the present.
"Huh?"
Brittany leaned in a little. "Is something wrong, Elena?"
Elena forced a small smile, shaking her head.
"I'm fine. I'm fine… it's nothing."
Brittany didn't press further.
She simply nodded and leaned back, letting the silence settle.
The car continued its journey toward the mansion, the city slowly giving way to quiet roads and familiar turns.
Elena stared out the window, her thoughts still tangled—but her face calm.
She wasn't ready to talk.
Not yet.