Chapter 14. Jewelry Store

Seraphina

Five days have passed since the engagement ceremony, and the whirlwind of wedding preparations is in full swing. Today, my mother and I find ourselves navigating the bustling aisles of a lavish shopping mall, on a mission to select wedding jewelry and clothing. The opulence of this place is staggering, and the sheer number of people makes my head spin. Prior to today, I've only ventured into a mall twice in my life, both times at the insistence of my best friend. On those occasions, I never stayed long, fearing I might exceed curfew, and I've always had a strong aversion to crowded places like this one. The possibility of getting lost in the labyrinthine mall and experiencing a panic attack has always haunted me.

Despite these anxieties, I find myself here today, accompanied by my mother. It surprises me that she chose this moment to introduce me to the mall experience, especially considering the size and expense of this particular establishment. Yet,