A Modern Ballad

Bonus Chapter- Shopping

Evangeline and Lala burst into the mall, the bright lights and bustling energy immediately lifting their spirits. It was a Saturday, and the place was alive with shoppers, music, and the delicious scent of pretzels wafting through the air. Today was a special mission: they were on a quest to find the perfect lingerie for Evangeline's wedding night with Prince Apollo.

"Okay, let's make this fun!" Lala declared, pulling Evangeline into a store that shimmered with lace and silk. "This is your last chance for some 'naughty' before you become a princess for real!"

Evangeline giggled, her cheeks flushing slightly at the thought. "Naughty? Me? I'm not sure I can pull that off!"

"Of course you can! Just think of it as your secret weapon!" Lala winked, grabbing a few lacy pieces and tossing them over her shoulder. "Here, try this!"

Evangeline couldn't help but laugh as she took the bright red piece of lingerie from Lala. "Are you sure I won't scare Apollo away with this?"

"Not at all! He'll love it! Besides, you'll look stunning in anything!" Lala insisted, spinning around to grab more items. "Now come on, let's see what else we can find."

As they sifted through the racks, they slipped into the fitting room, giggling like schoolgirls. Evangeline tried on various outfits, modeling each one with exaggerated poses. "What do you think?" she asked, emerging in a delicate black lace set, striking a pose like a runway model.

"Fierce!" Lala exclaimed, snapping imaginary photos. "You look like a total goddess! Apollo won't know what hit him!"

Evangeline laughed, twirling in front of the mirror. "I can't believe I'm doing this! It's so out of my comfort zone, but also... kind of fun!"

Lala nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Embrace your inner diva! You're a future princess! Now, try this one!" She tossed in a lavender set that shimmered like a dream.

Evangeline changed, the excitement bubbling between them. "This one is actually really pretty!" she said, admiring herself in the mirror.

"Right? And it's the perfect blend of sweet and sexy!" Lala chimed in, making silly faces to cheer her on. "You'll be the belle of the ball and the queen of the bedroom!"

Their laughter echoed through the fitting room, and they felt unstoppable. The experience was exactly what Evangeline needed—a reminder that amidst the royal pressures, she could still have fun with her best friend.

But just as their giggles filled the air, the mood shifted. Evangeline stepped out to show Lala the latest find when she caught sight of a familiar figure. Jacks stood a few stores down, his arms crossed and a sneer plastered across his face.

"Wow, Evangeline. Classy look," he called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is this what princesses do now? Play dress-up in the lingerie section?"

Evangeline's heart sank, the playful energy of the moment suddenly dampened. She could feel Lala tense beside her.

"Seriously? You're going to throw shade now?" Lala shot back, glaring at him. "Get over yourself, Jacks. This is none of your business."

Jacks shrugged, a smirk still on his lips. "I just find it amusing that you think you're going to change the world when you're about to be someone's trophy wife."

Evangeline felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. "You don't know anything about me," she replied softly, trying to hold her head high despite the hurt.

"Please. Everyone knows this is just a fairy tale ending for you. I hope you're ready for the reality check," he retorted, spinning on his heel and striding away.

Lala huffed, her fists clenched. "Ugh! What a jerk! Ignore him, Evangeline. He's just bitter because he can't handle how amazing you are!"

Evangeline took a deep breath, shaking off the encounter. "You're right. I can't let him ruin this day for me. I'm excited about my future with Apollo!"

"Exactly! Let's not let him dampen our fun!" Lala exclaimed, bouncing back into the fitting room. "Now, let's find that perfect piece! And maybe grab a pretzel afterward to celebrate!"

With renewed determination, Evangeline dove back into the mission. The two friends tried on more outfits, laughed at their reflections, and even staged a silly photo shoot with the pieces they liked best. Lala pulled out her phone, snapping pictures and turning every moment into a fun memory.

As they left the store, bags in hand and laughter still echoing, Evangeline felt lighter. Jacks' words were still there, lingering in the back of her mind, but they wouldn't define her. With Lala by her side, she felt ready to take on the world, one lacey piece of lingerie at a time.

And as they strolled through the mall, arm in arm, she realized that no matter what, her heart was set on her future—and it was bright, filled with love and laughter.