Chapter 20
Lily POV
I was bursting with warmth, love and food after breakfast, so I retreated to my room to rest.
I sat by the window, gazing at the beautiful scenery created by the sun. Everything was going so smoothly that I was beginning to feel that I was in an alternate universe. I was grateful for the kindness I’d been shown but a part of me couldn’t help but wonder when the other shoe would drop.
I was worried that one day, this love would be taken away from me just like every other good thing that has ever happened to me. But still, I loved it here. A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Thinking it was Celeste I rushed to the door and threw it open only to be met with a sight that left me momentarily speechless.
Standing in the hallways was a small army of people, each carrying bags and boxes from what appeared to be high-end clothing stores and accessories combined. They smiled at me expectantly as they pushed past me with their load, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
“I…I’m sorry,” I stammered, my eyes wide with confusion. “I think there must be some mistake. Celeste doesn’t live in this room. I think her room is two rooms away from mine. I can show you if you want p>
One of the assistants, a petite woman with a friendly smile, stepped forward. “There’s no mistake miss. We were directed to bring all of these to Miss Lily Stone and we were told this was your room. So, these are all for you p>
I blinked, sure I must have misheard. “For me? But that’s impossible. I didn’t order anything. Peharps there’s another Lily Stone p>
Just then, Celeste appeared behind the group, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “They’re right, Lily. All of this is for you p>
“For me? Why? I haven’t done anything to deserve this,” I argued as the rest of the assistants began to file into the room, depositing their burden on every available surface. They began to arrange it too. I turned to Celeste still in disbelief. “But… why? This is too much. I can’t accept all this p>
Celeste laid a comforting hand on my arm. “Of course you can and you should. You know we rarely get new additions to the pack because my beloved brother, Alpha Kai has made everyone think we feed on werewolves, so consider these as a little welcome gift from the pack. All the expenses have been paid, and we want you to feel welcome here. You’re one of us now p>
My eyes pricked with tears. In all my years with my own family, I had never received such generosity. Even my sister, Vanessa, the favoured daughter, had only occasionally been gifted new clothes.
To think that all of these were mine blew my mind. The assistants walked around my room, trying to fit in all the clothes in the closet, explaining things to me – what I should wear with what and also making me try out some of the clothes. Was was more mind-blowing was everything was exactly my size.
From the delicate lingerie to the perfectly tailored dresses. It was as if someone had taken my measurements and given them to the store.
“How did they know?” I whispered to Celeste who was on the bed, watching me from a sea of clothes. “Everything is in my size… ever this cashmere sweater,” I giggled running my fingers over it.
Celeste winked. “We have our ways. Now come on, let’s pick out the best of the best outfits for you. Since you’re less busy, as a way to stroll and enjoy the sights, you might as well go and register as an official member of our pack and what better way to do it than She squealed and pulled out a red knee-cut gown “Than this beauty. This will fit you perfectly p>
“I’d like that!” I giggled excitedly.
We spent the next hour going through one dress to another. The assistants and Celeste were undecided about what I should wear. In their words ‘everything looks so good on you.’. Finally, with Celeste’s guidance, we finally settled on a stunning ensemble. It was a deep emerald green blouse that brought out the flecks of gold in my eyes, paired with sleek black trousers and silver jewellery.
“You look amazing,” Celeste and the assistants eyed me dreamily. Before I could say my thanks, Celeste was already steering me towards the vanity. “Now let’s add the finishing touch p>
“There’s more?” My eyes widened.
“Of course!” Celeste rolled her eyes. “What’s a woman without makeup p>
With practiced finger, Celeste’s hands hovered all over my face for a few minutes. When she was done, she stepped back with a satisfied smile.
“Take a look,” she urged, gesturing towards the mirror.
I nodded and turned in my chair facing the mirror. My breath caught in my throat as I took in my reflection. The girl staring back at me was a far cry from the scared, dishevelled fugitive who had arrived just days ago. This Lily looked confident, radiant… beautiful. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I could look like this?
“I can’t believe it,” I murmured touching my face gently as if to make sure it was me. “I’ve never looked like this before p>
Celeste beamed with pride. “There is exactly no reason why you shouldn’t look like this every day sweetie. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you p>
But as she said the words, I couldn’t help but notice there was a hint of something else in her expression – a flicker of concern, perhaps?
“You look gorgeous,” she said softly. “Maybe a little too gorgeous. Someone might get jealous p>
I was still enthralled by my reflection and didn’t quite catch Celeste’s words.
“What was that?” I asked, staring at her in the mirror.
“What was what?” she asked staring at me bright-eyed.
“I thought you said something to me just now p>
“Oh!” she gave me a mysterious smile. “Nothing important. Come on, we should get going. We don’t want to be late for your registration p>