Love Arranged (Lakefront Billionaires, #3)(67)

But was I really worried about other people, or was I more concerned about my skewed sense of self?

Because after my failed rebound post-Lorenzo, I’ll be honest: I didn’t like myself very much. I felt desperate to improve my self-esteem when I hopped into bed with someone else, and I was ashamed for hurting that same person when I realized my mistake—although Richard can fuck off now.

But maybe it’s time I forgave myself for the choices I’ve made.

Maybe it’s time to move on.

Because how can I expect other people to accept me, let alone appreciate me, if I can’t do the same?

The realization pushes me forward, and I’m reinvigorated as we head to another boutique on Dahlia’s list. The gown in the window steals my breath, and I come to a full stop in front of it.

I feel like it was made for me, with colorful pink flowers and green leaves embroidered into the gauzy baby-blue fabric. The corset features smaller flowers while the tulle skirt is covered with larger floral brocade, the shape flattering yet still offering enough coverage to make my mom happy.

“Okay, now that’s the look I was waiting for!” Dahlia drags me inside the boutique, where we are greeted with champagne glasses and a charming duo who are more than happy to remove the dress off the mannequin so I can try it on.

I’m ushered into a small dressing room and handed the dress while my sister sits right outside the door, sipping her champagne. The room has no mirror, so I can’t see how I look unless I leave the fitting room.

“There’s no price tag,” I announce while stepping into the designer dress.

“I’m sure Lorenzo won’t mind.”

I look down at the dress with a huff. I can’t help brushing my hand down the tulle skirt, hoping to find a single flaw to scare me away from buying it. The intricate details are even better up close, and the colors appear much more vibrant, the baby-blue color looking different depending on which light I stand under.

I step out of the room, and my sister sucks in a breath. One of the salespeople rushes over to help me adjust the corset, and she turns me around so I face the mirror.

My reflection stares back at me, and it’s hard to hold my own gaze without getting emotional.

After spending so many months hiding—of disliking myself for mistakes I made and insecurities I couldn’t ignore—I’m hit with a strong sense of longing.

“Does it come in black?” Dahlia asks the associate, clearly poking fun at me.

“Uh. No,” she replies.

Dahlia fakes a pout. “Pity. My sister probably won’t buy it, then.”

I roll my eyes and head back inside the fitting room. Instead of taking the dress off right away, I snap a photo and send it to my mom before changing back into my clothes and walking over to the register.

When I open my wallet to grab my credit card, I find all of them missing except for a black one with Lorenzo’s name on it.

I’m too impressed by his slick move to be annoyed when I swipe his card through the machine. My cheeks hurt from how hard I’m smiling, and it isn’t only from the major hit to Lorenzo’s bank account.

It’s also because I leave the store feeling not like my old self but a better, more confident version.

And I truly couldn’t be happier.




Dahlia and I are being driven to the next shopping location on her list when a new text comes in.

LORENZO

Why is there only one charge on my card?

ME

Because I only bought one dress.

LORENZO

How? You’ve been shopping for hours.

ME

Counting down the hours until we’re reunited?

LORENZO

Impossible not to with Julian for company.

I laugh, making Dahlia glance up from her phone. “Is Lorenzo texting you?”

“Yes.”

“Has he said anything about spending time with Julian?”

“Not really.”

“I’m surprised they’ve lasted this long together without splitting up.”

I chuckle, only to be interrupted by a new text.

LORENZO

Julian says Dahlia has spent an impressive amount on his card.

ME

She has.

LORENZO

Did mine get lost at that one store?

ME

I can buy my own clothes.

LORENZO

Never said you couldn’t.

ME

Then why do you care?

LORENZO

It’s a bad look.

ME

How?

LORENZO

They already think I’m poor now that I’m no longer in the billionaire club.

I can’t help smiling to myself.

ME

What happened to not caring about billionaire pissing contests?

LORENZO

Turns out I’m not as evolved as I’d like to be.

ME

Did Julian bring out your inner caveman?

LORENZO

Yes. He’s lucky I haven’t challenged him to a death match.

ME

Don’t. My sister will never forgive you.

LORENZO

*sigh*

LORENZO

Fine.

ME

Thank you.

LORENZO

Show your gratitude by spending more of my money.

ME

Doubt I can make much of a dent in your bank account, but I’ll try my best.