The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 214: Fit you perfectly

Chapter 214: Fit you perfectly

Stella gazed out at the sprawling urban landscape of the mall, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

She had never had much experience with shopping, having been deprived of any sort of financial independence for the longest period of her life as a woman in her twenties.

Now, with her last hundred dollars in hand, she stood at a crossroad, torn between the desire to purchase a new outfit and the practicality of using the money to sustain herself with meals for the next couple of weeks.

The decision was clear. If she wanted to buy an outfit, she would have to scour the racks of a thrift store, hoping to find something that fit and didn’t look too worn. It wasn’t the glamorous shopping experience she’d always dreamed of, but she knew that it was her only option.

"So, a meal it is," she whispered to herself with determination. She set off in search of the food court, ready to make her last funds count.

The palpable aura of luxury engulfed her with a sense of foreboding as she walked further into the opulent environment. But amidst her heaviness, there was a spark of determination. This was only a temporary setback on her journey to financial independence.

She gazed at the designer clothing and expensive accessories, wondering when she would be able to confidently stride through the stores and get herself whatever she desired.

A small smile graced her lips as she reflected on her journey since leaving Nolan. In spite of her uncertainty of not knowing where her next meal or rent payment would come from, she had never felt more liberated.

She was free from the burden of dependence and the crushing weight of unrealistic expectations from a partner who never had her best interests at heart. Now, she had the freedom to truly live life on her own terms.

Her mind drifted back to the tumultuous emotions she experienced during the day that she made the bold decision to leave Nolan. It was a leap of faith she had taken, blindly venturing away from the familiar hell that had become her comfort zone.

He was a master manipulator, controlling every aspect of her life. From the tiniest details to major decisions, he took charge, ensuring that everything he did would ultimately benefit him. She had been so desperate for love and affection that she willingly surrendered all control over her life to him, not realizing the danger of giving up one’s freedom.

But she got it all back when she made the decision to walk out of his life.

She remembered the weight of despair that bore down on her when she stepped into the desolate street. The idea that things would get better seemed like a long-forgotten dream, it was as though it had never been within her reach. Everywhere she turned was the shadow of his influence, his control over her life and her future.

But fate had other plans, for it was in that moment of hopelessness that she stumbled upon her savior. As if summoned by the universe, a kind stranger, a middle-aged woman, crossed her path and offered her a helping hand.

In confiding in the woman who took care of her, she recounted the details of the night her harrowing rescue, and the kind-hearted lady took her under her wing. She offered her a safe haven, but with the understanding that she would work to support herself and build a life of independence.

With a determined spirit, she first took on the role of a pet-walker, and later found work as a babysitter. Though the pay was modest, it was enough for her to secure her own place to call home – until the day she’d become a wife.

However, the thought of finding a husband never crossed her mind. Her past experiences with family had been nothing but tragedy, and the scars of those wounds were still fresh.

From the moment she came into the world, her father was nowhere to be found. Her mother, Sabrina, blamed her for his absence, a burden that made no sense to her as a child. But as she grew older and gained more understanding, she came to realize that her mere existence had been the catalyst for his departure.

Sabrina’s wrath was unpredictable, and any mistake that she made was met with violent physical abuse. She often wondered if her mother had any choice in raising her. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon a photo of Sabrina and herself at the hospital on the day of her birth, that she knew for certain she was her mother.

For years, she thought this was the worst life could be until she returned home from college to find her mother snorting a row of white powder, clad only in lingerie and a bathrobe, with two men at her side. The sight was so appalling it left her reeling with rage and sadness at the hand she’d been dealt in life.

Motivated to avoid the same pitfalls, she had pledged to remain chaste and free from the influence of substances. But then everything changed when Nolan appeared.

She had met him at the club that she and Beatrix had went to for her birthday in another country. She had thought he was Prince Charming.

Well, see how that went.

Like the sun breaking through the clouds on a stormy day, he had illuminated her darkened heart with rays of hope, promising a future full of meaning and purpose – and she had fallen for all of it.

But fate had a way of balancing the scales; she had been given another chance to make something of her life. And she was determined to seize the opportunity with all her might.

But first, she had to eat.

She turned to her left, drawn by the allure of designer outfits showcased in gleaming glass cabinets. Despite her best efforts to resist temptation, her gaze wandered towards a straight line of garments that seemed to beckon her closer.

And then, like a bolt of lightning on a clear day, her eyes locked onto a red cocktail gown that radiated an alluring regal beauty. The vibrant scarlet hue seemed to pulse with a life of its own, while the fabric flowed in gentle waves that hinted at the sensuous curves it would embrace.

The neckline was daring yet elegant, a plunging V that was sure to showcase the collarbones of its fortunate wearer.

"That would fit you so perfectly."

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