Claimed by My Bully Alpha (by Anna Kendra) novel Chapter 290

Aurora’s P.O.V

By the time we’re done, I have bags upon bags of new clothes, and Caroline looks thoroughly pleased with herself. “Now, wasn’t this the best decision ever?” she asks as we walk out of the store, arm in arm.

Normally, I would’ve scolded her for spending way too much money on me when it wasn’t necessary, but today…I hated to admit defeat, because it had actually helped in uplifting my mood and taking my mind off of everything

that had happened recently.

But dare I admit that to Caroline? Of course not! Otherwise I’ll risk this becoming a daily occurrence…

I roll my eyes but can’t hide my smile. “Okay, fine. You win. This was fun.”

She beams. “That’s what I thought. Now, let’s get some dessert before we head back. I think we deserve it after all

that hard work.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Caroline, shopping is not hard work.”

“Says you,” she quips. “Now come on, my treat.”

As we head toward a little café, I realize that maybe, just maybe, I needed this day more than I thought.

But unfortunately, I had underestimated Caroline, because she then dragged me into another grooming session

before we headed back home.

39

Finally, After what feels like hours of sitting through endless pampering–my hair curled to perfection, my nails painted with the utmost precision, and my skin feeling like silk from all the treatments–I am more than ready to go home. My body aches for the comfort of my bed, and my mind is drained from the constant chatter of the salon ladies who, while undeniably sweet, have been fussing over me as if I were some kind of doll they needed to perfect. I sigh, stretching slightly in my seat as I glance at Caroline, who’s been waiting patiently, scrolling through her phone.

“Alright, I think I’m good to go,” I say, already rising from the chair, eager to get out of here.

But Caroline doesn’t move. Instead, she lifts her gaze from the screen and gives me this look–one that instantly puts me on edge. It’s the kind of expression she wears when she’s hiding something, when she’s about to drop something unexpected right into my lap. I narrowed my eyes on her. “What?”

She smiles, but it’s mischievous, and before I can question her further, she waves at one of the salon ladies. “There’s one last thing left.”

I don’t get a chance to ask her what she means because, within seconds, one of the women steps forward, holding something draped in a garment bag. My brows furrow as she unzips it, revealing a dress–deep, striking red, the fabric cascading down like liquid fire. The sight of it makes my breath hitch slightly, and I blink, taken aback.

1/2

20:59 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 290

“What is this?” I ask, looking between the dress and Caroline, who is now practically beaming.

She stands, smoothing out the skirt of her own dress–one I hadn’t even noticed before, a beautiful sky–blue piece that hugs her figure perfectly. “It’s the dress Maya got for you…you know…before…,” she finally says, as if that explains everything.

I stare at her, completely lost. “Okay… and why am I suddenly supposed to wear it now?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Caroline replies cryptically, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “For now, just get

ready.”

39

Chapter 290

Aurora’s P.O.V

By the time we’re done, I have bags upon bags of new clothes, and Caroline looks thoroughly pleased with herself. “Now, wasn’t this the best decision ever?” she asks as we walk out of the store, arm in arm.

Normally, I would’ve scolded her for spending way too much money on me when it wasn’t necessary, but today…I hated to admit defeat, because it had actually helped in uplifting my mood and taking my mind off of everything

that had happened recently.

But dare I admit that to Caroline? Of course not! Otherwise I’ll risk this becoming a daily occurrence…

I roll my eyes but can’t hide my smile. “Okay, fine. You win. This was fun.”

She beams. “That’s what I thought. Now, let’s get some dessert before we head back. I think we deserve it after all

that hard work.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Caroline, shopping is not hard work.”

“Says you,” she quips. “Now come on, my treat.”

As we head toward a little café, I realize that maybe, just maybe, I needed this day more than I thought.

But unfortunately, I had underestimated Caroline, because she then dragged me into another grooming session

before we headed back home.

39

Finally, After what feels like hours of sitting through endless pampering–my hair curled to perfection, my nails painted with the utmost precision, and my skin feeling like silk from all the treatments–I am more than ready to go home. My body aches for the comfort of my bed, and my mind is drained from the constant chatter of the salon ladies who, while undeniably sweet, have been fussing over me as if I were some kind of doll they needed to perfect. I sigh, stretching slightly in my seat as I glance at Caroline, who’s been waiting patiently, scrolling through her phone.

“Alright, I think I’m good to go,” I say, already rising from the chair, eager to get out of here.

But Caroline doesn’t move. Instead, she lifts her gaze from the screen and gives me this look–one that instantly puts me on edge. It’s the kind of expression she wears when she’s hiding something, when she’s about to drop something unexpected right into my lap. I narrowed my eyes on her. “What?”

She smiles, but it’s mischievous, and before I can question her further, she waves at one of the salon ladies. “There’s one last thing left.”

I don’t get a chance to ask her what she means because, within seconds, one of the women steps forward, holding something draped in a garment bag. My brows furrow as she unzips it, revealing a dress–deep, striking red, the fabric cascading down like liquid fire. The sight of it makes my breath hitch slightly, and I blink, taken aback.

1/2

20:59 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 290

“What is this?” I ask, looking between the dress and Caroline, who is now practically beaming.

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