~BLOOM~

Irene folded her arms, staring at the clothes Veronica had chosen from the mannequin. Veronica was focused on one action, but her mouth couldn't stop moving. "Oh, this one is pretty. Do you like it, Irene? Do you want this? I think I need new shoes and dresses."

"I think this dress will bring out my hips more."

"Irene, Irene, can you hear me? Come on, answer me."

Irene swallowed her breath, feeling helpless. She couldn't do a thing.

She had been in her office talking to Alexandra when Veronica called, saying it had been too long since they hung out. Irene couldn't refuse her. Veronica was her best friend, and despite her tiredness and Simeon constantly invading her thoughts, she agreed to meet.

Veronica had always been her supporter, the person who encouraged her to follow her dreams. Veronica was the one who gave her the strength to leave Simeon and prioritize herself. That was one thing Irene liked about her friend—always supportive, always there.

However, Simeon had tried repeatedly to break them apart, always saying Veronica was a bad influence, someone who didn't have Irene's best interests at heart. He warned her about Veronica's supposed intentions. Irene dismissed it. She trusted Veronica more than her own husband.

Although Veronica could be pushy, sometimes making Irene take on tasks she didn't want to, Irene believed Veronica's actions stemmed from love and care. Simeon's warnings about Veronica being manipulative or trying to seduce him felt like baseless accusations. Irene thought maybe it was Simeon who was trying to turn Veronica into his secret affair partner. That thought occasionally crossed her mind, but she refused to let it ruin her friendship.

Veronica was her best friend, and nothing would change that.

...

Veronica smirked, glancing at Irene, who appeared distracted. "Irene," Veronica called out, but Irene didn't respond. Veronica hated how Irene often acted high and mighty.

As Veronica called her name again, Irene finally glanced her way, her expression aloof, almost as if she wanted nothing to do with her.

Veronica frowned secretly, not wanting Irene to notice. Irene had everything anyone could dream of—a supportive family, a perfect husband, a charmed life. But Irene always complained about how she didn't love her arranged marriage and longed for freedom.

Veronica felt bitter inside. She had worked tirelessly for years, maintaining the image of the perfect friend, enduring jealousy, and pretending to support Irene. But when Irene told Veronica about her engagement to Alpha Simeon Kings, everything became clear.

Simeon Kings was the man Veronica had dreamed of, the man she could only wish for. Irene didn't deserve him. She didn't even want him. Veronica clenched her teeth, hiding her bitterness. She realized her friendship with Irene had always been about family connections.

Veronica vowed to take Simeon from Irene. She didn't care what it took. If Irene couldn't see what she had, then Veronica would ensure Simeon saw who truly deserved him.

"Irene, what do you think about this dress? Will it match with my skin tone, or does it look ugly on me? What do you think?" Veronica asked, holding up a bright pink dress. Irene finally smiled, her attention turning toward her. Veronica masked her inner thoughts, pretending to be cheerful.

Irene studied the dress, placing a hand on her cheek thoughtfully. "Oh yeah, that dress is very nice. It's going to suit you a lot. You should definitely go with it." Irene turned to Alexandra, who stood beside her like a statue with a cold, stoic expression. "What do you think, Alexandra?" Irene asked.

"Yes, it will suit you, Miss Veronica," Alexandra replied, her tone blunt and devoid of emotion. Veronica frowned slightly. How could she believe such a dry compliment?

Veronica continued talking, her chatter giving Irene a headache. Irene's thoughts drifted elsewhere. She needed space to clear her mind. Plastering on a fake smile, she grabbed a random yellow dress from the rack. "Let me go check this dress," Irene said hurriedly. She didn't even like yellow.

Smiling briefly at Veronica, Irene rushed to the dressing room, rolling her eyes the moment she was out of sight. She needed peace.

…

Irene was just behind the dressing room, checking for clothes, when she felt arms wrap around her.

Her body tensed at that moment. Shocked and surprised, she wondered who could touch her like that without her consent.

But then, as she tried to turn, she felt soft breath on her neck and cold lips. A familiar scent reached her nose.

"Simeon?" she called softly, trying to confirm if it was who she thought it was.

As she called his name, Simeon answered, "Yes, it is me, Irene."

He had missed her so much. He couldn't help escaping from the pack and all the work at the company just to see her.

But when he arrived at her house, they told him she had gone out shopping with Veronica and her assistant.

He had warned her several times that Veronica wasn't a good influence. That woman had tried to seduce him many times, and he had warned Irene about it. Yet, she didn't trust him. She trusted Veronica more than her own husband.

One of the people contributing to Irene's bad impression of him was Veronica.

Even so, Simeon had nothing more to say. If Irene chose to follow Veronica, his only goal was to protect her from afar, keeping her safe from all harm.

When he wrapped his arms around her, as expected, she pushed him away.

Simeon had anticipated this reaction and didn't feel bad about it.

Her face formed a scowl, her cheeks turning red slightly, showing that she was already annoyed. It was one of her traits Simeon had come to observe because she was often annoyed with him.

"Alpha Simeon Kings. Since when did this habit start?" she asked, and he didn't know how to answer her question. Only he understood the courage it had taken to act like this.

How could he explain it to her?

No, he didn't plan on explaining. She might reject him now, but he had resolved to chase her and win her heart. If she believed he wasn't a good partner due to their arranged marriage, he would prove her wrong and show her he was worth all her love.

"Why are you blanking out?" Irene asked, her lips pouting slightly, arms folded as she observed his expression.

Her sharpness didn't faze him. "You came shopping at the mall. Let me help you with that," Simeon said, changing the subject and taking her hand to lead her out of the dressing room.

She struggled against his hold at first but stopped when she realized she couldn't get rid of him. He smirked, casting her a secret glance.

She was very willful but undeniably cute. The thought crossed his mind, making him smile inwardly.

"What are you literally going to get me that I can't get for myself?" Irene said, folding her arms and trying to distract herself from his serious, perfect face as they passed expensive women's wear on display.

He ignored her question and walked silently toward a crystal glass display containing women's purses.

She wanted to stop and not follow him, but his firm grip on her arm made it clear she had no choice.

"What now?" she muttered, rubbing her nose with her thumb, her brows furrowing.

"Alpha Simeon Kings, I'm a busy woman. What reason do you have for wasting my time?"

He didn't look at her but picked up a purse, inspecting it carefully. "Shop for anything you want. I came to this section thinking it might help you keep your documents organized," he said simply.

"Is it?" Irene asked, shaking her head in disbelief.

But then, at that moment, a sly thought crossed her mind, and she smiled slowly.

"So, you want me to shop. Okay then, shopping I shall," she said, moving with her arms folded, her heels clicking haughtily as she walked away.

Simeon smiled slightly, watching her walk away.

She might not realize how well he understood her. He clearly grasped her thoughts when she said those words and walked off.

She could spend his money all she wanted because he was full of cash. She could drain the whole city of Moonlit if it made her happy.

Hands in his pockets, he leaned casually against a leather chair, watching her as she approached a salesperson.

"Hello, take me to the most expensive section in your mall. And when I say expensive, I mean expensive," Irene said with authority.

The salesperson nodded politely. "Alright, miss. Yes, there's the most expensive section. Please follow my lead," they said, gesturing.

"Okay, lead the way then," Irene replied, following.

Simeon smirked faintly. He knew the place she was heading to.

It would be interesting to see what she was up to.

Her expression as she spent his

money—he truly wanted to see it.

He got up from the chair, taking another path to the escalator, silently trailing after her.