*Reborn in Shadows*

Chapter 8: A Day Out

As the car started moving, the conversation flowed easily. Ryan, as usual was full of excitement, sharing his plans for where to go and what to buy. Michael, despite his earlier seriousness, seemed to relax in the lively atmosphere, occasionally adding his own recommendations. Derek kept up his teasing, making playful jabs and comments about everyone's fashion choices, including his own.

"Just wait until you see the latest trends," Derek said, nudging me playfully. "You might want to take notes."

"Or maybe you'll just find something you like and start a new trend yourself," Ryan suggested, bouncing in his seat.

The laughter and banter filled the car as we made our way to the mall. Despite my earlier nerves, I found myself enjoying the easy camaraderie. It was a welcome distraction, and for the first time since waking up, I felt a sense of normalcy and connection.

The mall was a sprawling palace of luxury and excess, its high ceilings and grand architecture a testament to opulence. As we entered, a team of impeccably dressed staff members greeted us, their smiles as polished as their uniforms. The boys led the way, their enthusiasm palpable.

"This place is incredible," I whispered, trying to take in the sheer scale of it all. "How do people afford this?"

Derek chuckled beside me. "Trust me, it's not as glamorous as it looks. We just happen to enjoy the perks."

We passed a series of high-end stores, each more extravagant than the last. The staff at each store seemed almost as polished as the merchandise, emerging to offer assistance with practiced ease. I couldn't help but marvel at the clothes—designer dresses, tailored suits, and accessories that seemed to sparkle with their own light.

As we approached a particularly elegant store, the staff immediately came out to greet us, their smiles welcoming. "Welcome to Elegance & Co.," one of them said. "How can we assist you today?"

Ryan, ever the energetic one, bounced up and down. "We're here to find some outfits for Cath. She's going to look amazing!"

Michael nodded in agreement.
The store was a fashion wonderland, and soon enough, the boys were eagerly pulling various outfits from racks and displaying them for me.

Derek held up a chic navy blouse and gray skirt combination. "How about this one? Classic and elegant."

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure it's not a bit too 'old money' for me?"

He smirked. "Trust me, it's timeless."

Ryan was practically bouncing with excitement. "Look at this one! It's got neon accents—perfect for standing out!"

Michael gave Ryan a look. "Maybe something a bit more subtle. How about this dress?"

He pulled out a lovely, understated dress—a soft, blush pink with a modest neckline. "It's pretty, right?"

I nodded, appreciating the thought. "It's beautiful, but I want to try something a bit different."

The staff guided me to a fitting room where I tried on a selection of clothes, emerging each time to show off my choices. Derek's eyes lit up when I stepped out in a silk dress he had chosen. It was a deep emerald green with a subtle sheen, falling gracefully to my knees. The dress was elegant and modest, fitting the "old money" aesthetic perfectly. The smooth fabric glided over my skin, the cut flattering without being too revealing.

Derek's reaction was immediate—his eyes widened slightly, and he seemed momentarily at a loss for words. "Wow," he managed, his voice betraying a mix of surprise and admiration. "That looks stunning on you."

The other boys cheered, their excitement genuine. "That's it! You should definitely get that one!" Ryan said, giving me a thumbs up.

Michael added, "You look great in it. Really suits you."

Derek, still recovering from his initial surprise, attempted to hide his reaction with a teasing grin. "Looks like you can look plesently good too ."

As I changed back into my clothes, I overheard two staff members chatting in hushed tones. Their conversation wasn't meant for my ears, but the words cut through the air nonetheless.

"She's from the wrong side of the tracks," one of them said dismissively. "Can you believe they brought her here?"

"I know, right?" the other replied. "She's not even close to the typical customer."

I felt a flush of anger rise within me. The comments were both demeaning and insensitive. I stepped out of the fitting room, catching Derek's eye.

"Let's go," I said quietly with a tear in my eye , pulling him aside. "I've heard enough."

Derek's face tightened with anger. "You shouldn't have to put up with that. Let's confront them."

I tried to stop him but He strode back toward the staff members, his demeanor shifting to one of authority.

After a tense exchange, he finally turned away from them, his face still flushed with anger.

"Let's go to another store," Derek said, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.

I caught up to him as we walked away. "It's okay, Derek. It's not a big deal. People tend to talk like that."

He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. "It is a big deal. I won't stand for anyone disrespecting you. You're part of this family now, and I'm not going to let anyone treat you like that."

The rest of the shopping trip went by in a blur. We visited a few more stores, and as the hours passed, I began to feel the weight of exhaustion. The boys decided to take a break, suggesting we stop for coffee.

Michael and Ryan handed me a steaming cup of coffee with a comforting smile. "Hope this helps," Michael said.

I thanked them, savoring the warmth of the drink as we made our way back to the car. As we drove through the picturesque streets of the UK, I gazed out the window, marveling at the beauty of the landscape.

Despite my fatigue, I couldn't help but appreciate the moment. But the soothing motion of the car and the comfort of the seat soon lulled me to sleep, and I drifted off, dreaming of the day's adventures and the people I was beginning to care about.