Nathan didn't say much as we walked downstairs. He kept stealing small glances thinking I didn't notice. He walked ahead like he was focused, but I could see that confused look on his face, like he still couldn't believe I was wearing his clothes.
I held the shirt sleeves nervously, following him like a lost chicken.
Outside, his car beeped, it was black and sleek too expensive for me to even lean on. He opened the passenger door for me, I hesitated.
"Get in," he said simply.
My legs obeyed before my pride could argue. The seat swallowed me, it was so soft and warm. I felt like I was sitting inside money.
He entered from the other side, and started his engine. My thighs brushed the leather and for some reason, it felt like the car itself was judging my broke life.
He adjusted the AC. "Seatbelt."
"Oh... right." I fumbled, trying to pull it, then it got stuck and slapped my arm instead.
He looked at me with that face, well... half amused, half pity.
"Come here," he leaned slightly, his hand brushing mine as he clicked the belt in place.
'Way too close' I screamed in my head, my breath left me for a second and he noticed. He moved back quickly. "Relax. I don't bite."
"I'm relaxed," I lied, staring forward like a soldier.
"Sure," he muttered, a tiny smile hanging on his lips.
Traffic wasn't heavy, but my mind was. I stared out the window, pretending I wasn't thinking about how his shirt smelled on me.
He tapped the wheel. "So… this morning... still thinking I kidnapped you?"
"A little."
He snorted. "Fair."
"But you talk too much," I added softly.
"You insult too easily," he shot back.
I smiled without meaning to, he noticed but said nothing.
My knee brushed his armrest by mistake. I pulled back fast.
"Relax, cupcake. You act tough but scared."
I glared at him. He laughed quietly like he enjoyed provoking me.
We reached the mall and OMG, it was huge. Glass was everywhere. Rich people walking like life was a fashion show. I held my shirt down nervously oh it's his shirt.
Nathan walked confidently and I hurried to keep up.
"Stay close," he said without looking back.
"I'm not a child."
"I didn't say you were. Just don't get lost staring at price tags."
I bit my lip. He definitely knew I was broke.
INSIDE THE BOUTIQUE
The place looked like heaven for people with money and hell for my account balance. Dresses on display cost more than my rent... If i was paying some. A saleswoman welcomed us with the type of smile meant for rich customers.
"Good morning, sir. How may we assist you today?"
Nathan pointed at me casually. "She needs clothes."
Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, I felt naked under her judgment.
"I… I don't need too many," I whispered.
Nathan didn't even blink. "Don't listen to her. She needs a full wardrobe."
My heart jumped.
A whole wardrobe?
Am I dreaming?
I tugged his sleeve gently. "Nathan, wait... that's too much. I can manage just two or three."
He gave me a look. "You're staying with me. You must look presentable."
Presentable, I nodded slowly.
The saleswoman handed me dresses. Fancy ones, sparkling ones, silk, satin, short, long. I stared like I'd never seen clothes before.
Nathan spoke to her like he knew exactly what women wear. "Nothing too revealing. She's shy."
I choked. "I'm not shy..."
He raised a brow. "Earlier you almost fainted from a seatbelt."
"That was different," I muttered.
He smirked. "Sure."
FITTING ROOM
She pushed a handful of dresses into my arms. I entered, struggling a bit.
First dress was a dark green, hugging me it was too elegant.
I stepped out slowly, shy.
Nathan lifted his eyes from his phone…
He stared longer than he should.
"Well?" I whispered.
He blinked. "Turn."
I turned awkwardly.
He nodded once. "Beautiful. Next."
My heart warmed, just a little. I swallowed it quickly.
Second dress waa red, it was too bold and my back was open.
I felt half naked.
I stepped out and crossed my arms. "No."
Nathan looked up and actually froze.
His eyes softened. Like he forgot how to speak.
I shifted uncomfortably. "Too much?"
He coughed, looking away. "It's fine. You just… look different."
"Bad different?"
"No," he said quietly. "Just… dangerous."
"Dangerous"? I said confused
He shook his head fast. "Next. Before I say something stupid."
I almost smiled.
Third dress was a soft cream color, simple but pretty. Something that felt like me.
I came out slowly, this time calmer.
Nathan looked… and smiled. A real one. It was small but real.
"This one," he said immediately.
The saleswoman brightened. "It fits her perfectly."
I looked in the mirror, It was simple, warm, like I belonged somewhere.
Maybe here.
Maybe with him.
No!! stop. Too early, too risky.
"I like it," I whispered.
"Good," he said, voice low. "We'll take it. And the others."
I gasped. "Nathan!"
"No arguing." He handed the card like it was nothing.
I didn't know whether to thank him or run away. Shopping bags filled the counter, more than I expected. More than I ever owned at once.
As we left the store, I walked beside him quietly.
Why was he doing all this?
For a fake arrangement?
For someone he just met?
Maybe I'll ask later or maybe I won't.
Or maybe I'm scared of the answer.
Nathan walked ahead of me down the stairs, I followed behind him quietly, hugging his shirt on my body. It smelled like expensive perfume and soap. My legs felt small in his shorts, like I borrowed adulthood and it didn't quite fit.
He kept touching his watch like time was chasing him.
"I have an early appointment," he said, not really looking at me, like his mind was already at work. "So I can't stay. You'll go home with the driver."
"Oh." I tried to pretend that didn't pinch somewhere inside. "Right. Makes sense."
It wasn't like I expected breakfast in bed or romantic morning talks. But something about him leaving so fast felt… sudden.
We reached the last step and I saw a man in uniform standing by the door tall, clean haircut, probably earns enough to feed my whole street.
"Morning sir," the driver greeted.
Nathan nodded once, then glanced at me.
"You're going home. Freshen up, get your things. Later we'll talk about… the arrangement."
That last word dropped between us like a reminder of reality.
Fake fiancée thing.
I swallowed. "Okay."
I didn't know where to put my hands. On my side? Fold them? Act confident? I ended up just scratching my arm like a confused goat.
Nathan noticed.
"You don't have to look nervous, cupcake."
"There you go again."
He smirked slightly. "You should get used to it."
I rolled my eyes. "No promises."
He opened the main door for me himself, didn't expect that. Rich people usually let others do it, right? But he held it open, waiting for me to step in.
The morning air grazed my skin, cold, fresh, like a reality check.
His car was parked separately. . The driver was already opening the back door of car putting my things for me.
Nathan paused before entering his own car.
"Fiona."
I looked back quickly coming out of the car, his shirt sleeve sliding down my shoulder a little. I pulled it up.
He stared for a second not flirty though.
"Don't disappear," he said. "If you change your mind, text me. I don't like surprises."
"Why would I disappear?" I asked, half joking.
He raised a brow. "Last night you almost ran away from a free meal."
I shrugged. "I thought you were a kidnapper. Rich kidnapper. The worst type."
He laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "Just go home before you annoy me."
"Already annoyed."
"Good. Means you're alive."
Driver tried not to smile as Nathan slid into his car, shutting his car door with that expensive sound cars make in movies. He didn't rush to drive off immediately he rested his head back on the seat like he needed one breath before entering his CEO demon mode.
The driver opened the back door for me gently.
"This way, ma'am."
Ma'am. I almost looked behind me to see if he was talking to someone else.
I stepped into the car slowly. The seats were soft. Way softer than the buses I know. Nathan pulled out of the driveway first. His taillights blinked, then he drove away smooth and quiet.
We followed behind. I watched his car fade from the front window until it turned at the gate and disappeared.