NEVER NO DOLLAR

Pampering The Noble Lady

Leonidas and Claire walked through the grand entrance of the luxurious shopping center, its gleaming floors reflecting the glittering chandeliers above. Claire glanced around, visibly out of her comfort zone among the sleek displays and high-end boutiques.

“Leo,” Claire whispered as he gently but firmly pulled her further inside, “What are we even doing here? This isn’t exactly my kind of place.”

Leonidas gave her a sly grin, not slowing his pace. “Today, we’re upgrading your look.”

Claire blinked, confusion evident in her eyes. “Upgrading my look?”

Leonidas stopped in front of a boutique window and framed a section of dresses with his fingers, as if already envisioning her in them. He tilted his head toward her, the gleam in his eyes both playful and calculating. “You’ve been holding back ever since your mother’s condition worsened, right?” He motioned toward the elegant gowns on display. “Elegant and luxurious—it suits you better than that plain dress.”

Claire let out a soft laugh, a mix of surprise and embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “What is this?” she asked, still chuckling. “You’re starting to care about my appearance now?”

Leonidas smirked. “Of course. I do care about my ‘girlfriend,’ you know.”

Claire’s laughter came smoothly this time, soft and genuine, catching Leonidas off guard. The cold, apathetic demeanor she’d worn when they first met had melted away, leaving him momentarily mesmerized by the way her expression softened.

Seizing the moment, he leaned a little closer, lowering his voice. “Anyway, this is all part of my plan.”

Claire gave him a teasing glance, raising an eyebrow. “Your plan to make me look prettier?” With a playful smirk, she turned and started walking toward the boutique’s entrance, her steps light and confident.

Leonidas followed, a grin tugging at his lips. “That’s part of it, sure. But I wasn’t lying—it really is part of my plan. I want to see Emma burn with jealousy.”

Claire glanced over her shoulder, amusement sparkling in her eyes. “You saw it already, didn’t you? Yesterday.”

Leonidas nodded, but there was a flicker of something darker in his gaze. “Yeah, but what she felt yesterday was nothing compared to what I want her to feel. I want her to feel the worst.”

Claire slowed her pace, her playful expression fading into something more thoughtful. “You do remember she’s the woman you once loved, right?”

Claire and Leonidas strolled deeper into the boutique, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they sifted through racks of luxurious dresses. Leonidas walked with an air of casual indifference, but his sharp eyes tracked every subtle movement Claire made, every glance she cast toward the gowns.

Leonidas responded to her earlier comment with ease, as if it were a fact he’d long accepted. “Yeah. Emma never really saw me as her lover anyway, so why would I feel sorry for her now?”

Claire gave a quiet smile, nodding as if to confirm his sentiment. “You’re right.” She pulled out a dress from the rack and held it up against herself, turning slightly to face him. “How about this? Does it suit me?”

The dress in question was a sleek, floor-length gown made of deep emerald silk that shimmered under the boutique’s ambient lighting. The neckline plunged elegantly, framed with delicate black lace, while the back dipped low, held together by thin, crisscrossed straps. A subtle slit at the side hinted at sophistication and allure. It was a dress that didn’t need a designer’s label to scream luxury—its craftsmanship and flawless fit spoke volumes on their own.

Leonidas, always composed, masked his awe behind a cool exterior, though Claire’s beauty was undeniable in anything she wore. “That’s pretty,” he said, keeping his tone neutral, though his gaze lingered a moment too long.

Claire gave a small, satisfied smile and turned toward the cashier. But before she could take a step, Leonidas caught her wrist gently.

“Where are you going?” he asked with a raised brow.

Claire looked puzzled. “To the cashier, obviously. You’re paying for this, right? Then let’s pay and leave.”

Leonidas smirked and shook his head. “No.”

Claire’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean, no?”

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and serious. “I said, I’ll buy you these dresses if you want. Not just one. As many as you like. I want you to look pretty.”

Claire stared at him, stunned by the audacity. “What?” she asked, her tone filled with disbelief.

Leonidas’s expression remained cool, hie led Claire deeper into the boutique, his hand firmly but gently wrapped around her wrist. Clothes racks surrounded them, filled with luxurious gowns and designer pieces. Claire tried to keep up with his quick pace, her eyebrows raised as he eagerly scanned the collections.

"Are you saying I looked ugly before?” Claire said, struggling to match his energy.

Leonidas stopped abruptly, turning to face her. His expression was both serious and playful, his voice low but deliberate. “You’re already beautiful,” he said. “But I want you at your goddess level—so you can beat the goddess herself.” His words were smooth, full of intent, and Claire couldn't help the warmth creeping to her cheeks.

After what felt like hours of shopping, Leonidas wasn’t finished. He whisked Claire away to a high-end spa for a full treatment—massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Claire sat back as her skin was pampered to perfection, feeling a strange mixture of unease and comfort. The last time she indulged in such luxuries felt like a lifetime ago.

From there, they went straight to a prestigious salon. Leonidas supervised everything: the haircut, styling, and makeup. He stood by, arms crossed, nodding approvingly with every step. Claire sat in silence, watching the stylists transform her reflection, layer by layer, with shimmering makeup, perfectly curled hair, and elegant touches.

When they finally finished, the lead stylist smiled and stepped back, revealing the final look. “We’re done, Miss. Take a look.”

Claire turned to the mirror slowly, and for a moment, she didn’t recognize the woman staring back at her. The makeup enhanced every feature, giving her an air of power and elegance. Her hair fell in soft waves, perfectly framing her delicate face. The emerald dress Leonidas insisted on fit her like a glove, shimmering under the boutique’s lights.

She blinked, stunned into silence. A memory stirred within her—this was who she used to be before her family fell from grace. The lavish lifestyle, the carefully curated beauty, the sense of belonging in a world of opulence. She trailed her fingers lightly down the silk fabric of the emerald dress, lost in a swirl of emotions—happiness, doubt, and nostalgia washing over her in waves.

“I don’t think I deserve this,” Claire murmured, her voice low but steady as her eyes remained fixed on her reflection. “It feels... too real. I’m just playing a role, but you—” she glanced at Leonidas through the mirror, “you give these meaning, as if these are not just a lie.”

Leonidas leaned against the vanity, arms crossed, his deep blue eyes studying her intently. A hint of confusion flickered across his features, as though her words caught him off guard. “What do you mean?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. “Look at yourself, Claire. You look incredible—this,” he gestured to the dress and makeup, “was made for someone like you. You were born to wear luxury.”

Claire gave a small, wistful smile. “I know what people say. Everyone remembers what happened when my family lost everything.” She paused, her fingers grazing the delicate embroidery on the dress. “You call this pampering or luxury. To me, it’s a reminder—a glimpse into a life I thought I’d buried. It makes me long for things I shouldn’t.”

Leonidas straightened slightly, absorbing her words. For a moment, he said nothing, trying to grasp the weight of her feelings. Then, with a soft chuckle, he stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders with surprising gentleness.

“Hey,” he said quietly, his voice warm and laced with teasing, “I’m not going to take this back once we’re done, you know. So, relax.”

Claire let out a small laugh, the tension in her chest easing slightly. His playful tone, though subtle, was enough to break through the emotional weight she had been carrying.

Leonidas smiled, pleased to see her laugh, even if it was just a little. “See? There’s no reason to overthink it. It’s just a dress, Claire. A beautiful dress for someone who deserves to look and feel like a queen.”

Claire shook her head slightly, the ghost of a smile still lingering on her lips. “You make it sound so simple.”

“Because it is simple,” Leonidas replied softly, his gaze meeting hers through the reflection.

Claire took a deep breath, shaking off the lingering emotions. “Sorry for showing you that side of me,” she said, her voice steadier now. “It’s embarrassing, you know.” She forced a small, self-deprecating smile as she straightened her posture.

Leonidas waved off her apology casually, as if it didn’t bother him at all. “No problem,” he said, guiding her out of the boutique and toward his sleek black car parked just outside. “Honestly, I’m glad I got to witness it. At least now I know you’re still human.”

Claire let out a bitter laugh. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you calling me a bug or something?”

Leonidas smirked, keeping pace beside her. “You’ve been acting like a statue—emotionless, cold.” He glanced at her, his dark blue eyes gleaming with a calm depth, like the stillness of the ocean before a storm. His gaze held hers for a moment longer than necessary. “But you were a statue, you look flawless.”

Claire’s steps faltered ever so slightly. Something strange stirred in her—an unsteady flutter low in her stomach, catching her off guard. It was as if his words had slipped past her defenses, stirring emotions she wasn’t ready to confront.

They reached the car, and Leonidas pulled the door open for her with an easy, gentlemanly gesture. Before she could step in, she turned to him with a sly grin, eager to shift the atmosphere.

“But you know,” she said playfully, “statues get mossy and dusty over time.”

Leonidas froze halfway around the car, staring at her with mock disbelief. “Oh my God, come on, woman!”

Claire burst out laughing, unable to hold back this time. “Ha-ha!” she exclaimed, the sound light and genuine.

Leonidas shook his head, but the faintest trace of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he opened the driver’s door. “You really know how to ruin a moment, don’t you?”

Claire slid into the passenger seat, still chuckling. “What can I say? It’s a talent.”

Leonidas settled into the driver’s seat, shaking his head again in amusement as he started the engine. “Yeah, well, don’t get too proud of yourself.”

Claire rested her head back against the seat, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. For the first time, the tension between them felt manageable—playful, even. She glanced at Leonidas, and a flicker of warmth spread through her chest.