A little while later, I stepped out of the fitting room in a brand-new, elegant dress. The woman in the mirror was still thin and pale, but her eyes carried a newfound calm and determination.
"Evelyn, you're stunning! You look like a goddess!" Lianne exclaimed with genuine admiration.
Even Kevin's eyes widened. "Are you sure you've just spent two years in prison? You look like you've walked straight off a runway!"
I let out a wry smile. "Stop flattering me. These two years have been nothing but easy," I said in a slightly brittle voice.
Lianne quickly stepped in to comfort me. "It's all in the past now, Evelyn. You're free now. You can do whatever you want. There'll be no more restrictions."
"Exactly," Kevin interjected with a grin. "Evelyn is a fashion queen. Prison? That was just a small blip in your story. It doesn't stop you from shining brighter than ever!"
My mood began to lighten after hearing their words of encouragement. They were right. It was all behind me now. From this moment on, I would hold my head high and reclaim my place as the admired person I was.
"Let's hit the next store!" I declared. I felt like a different person walking out of the boutique. I exuded poise and confidence, eliminating any trace of hardship and sorrow I had endured.
We spent the next couple of hours shopping at high-end stores. Watches, jewelry, shoes, hats, designer handbags—each item was exquisitely crafted and carries a statement of taste and status.
By the time we were done, it felt like we had cleared out half the mall. Of course, Kevin footed the bill for everything. He spared no expense and fulfilled all my requests.
"You're spending too much," I couldn't help but say.
"Evelyn, after all you've done for the Evelyn Studio, this is nothing," he replied with a laugh. "When you're back in your rightful position, we'll have more money than we know what to do with!"
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