Absolution | +18

Chapter 43

Val

I paced around the apartment, my heart racing in my chest like a wild animal desperate to escape. The clock on the wall ticked down the minutes, and each passing second felt heavier than the last. Silas had been gone for hours, and my nerves twisted tighter with every tick. I glanced at the guest room where my bag of clothes sat. There was nothing in there that felt right for tonight.

I could already picture myself standing in front of him, the excitement of tonight battling against the sinking feeling of inadequacy. What if I showed up in a wrinkled T-shirt and jeans? No, I needed something special, something that would make me feel beautiful. I bit my lip, anxiety gnawing at me.

Just as I was about to spiral into another round of self-doubt, a sudden knock at the door made me jump. My heart dropped into my stomach. Who could that be? My mind raced through a list of possibilities—was it someone from my past? Or maybe a neighbor with a complaint?

Then, my phone buzzed, jolting me back to reality. I snatched it up, and my breath caught when I saw Silas's name flash across the screen.

"Check outside," the message read.

A smile broke through my anxiety, warmth flooding my cheeks as I dashed to the door. I opened it, and there at my feet was a beautifully wrapped present, the paper shimmering softly in the muted light of the hallway. My heart swelled with anticipation as I bent down to pick it up, closing the door behind me with a gentle click.

I set the gift on the couch, the anticipation bubbling inside me. My fingers trembled slightly as I peeled back the delicate wrapping paper, each tear revealing more of the surprise within. As the last piece fell away, I gasped.

There, nestled inside, was a stunning dress, its fabric a rich shade of deep emerald green that caught the light just right, accentuating its soft, flowing lines. Next to it were a pair of elegant shoes, strappy and delicate, glinting with understated sophistication. I felt the heat creep up my face, a mix of surprise and sheer joy washing over me.

"Silas," I whispered, a breathy laugh escaping my lips. The thoughtfulness of the gesture struck me deep, sending a flutter through my chest. This was more than just a dress; it was a reminder that he cared, that he wanted me to feel special tonight.

But after glancing at the time, I realized I had to start getting ready. The excitement bubbling in my stomach was quickly overshadowed by nerves, so I turned on some music to drown out the anxiety fluttering within me. I cranked up the volume, letting the upbeat melodies fill the room as I focused on my hair.

I pulled out my curling iron, its familiar weight feeling reassuring in my hand. I began wrapping sections of my hair around the barrel, watching with delight as the heat transformed each strand into soft, bouncy curls. The gentle hum of the music set a rhythm, and I lost myself in the process. As I worked, my thoughts drifted to Silas—how he'd react when he saw me in this dress, the way his eyes might light up. The very thought sent a thrill of anticipation coursing through me.

Once I was satisfied with my curls, I turned my attention to my makeup. I kept it simple but elegant, applying a touch of foundation to even out my skin tone, followed by a subtle swipe of blush that added a healthy glow to my cheeks. As I studied my reflection, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I was almost there.

Nervously, I turned toward the dress. The emerald green fabric lay draped over the chair. I slipped into it, the coolness of the fabric sending a shiver down my spine as I zipped it up. The moment it settled around me, I felt transformed. The dress hugged my curves perfectly, accentuating my waist. The fabric clung just right, smoothing over my hips and flowing gently down to my knees. The neckline dipped in a subtle V, framing my collarbone and hinting at the elegance of the dress without being overly revealing.