Abel didn’t get much sleep that night. He was too aware of the proximity between him and Helena in this bed, the ghostly lingering of her invisible fingertips still on his scars. He managed to doze off in the early morning hours for at least 2-3 hours before Risa came to get them. Despite the exhaustion radiating off of him in waves, he didn’t look as dishevelled as he felt when they went on their long-anticipated shopping trip. He forced himself TO PAY ENOUGH ATTENTION, arms crossed and deeply in thought at every presentation and zoning out once Helena picked another bone with the staff member. But eventually, his posture straightened at the newest dress Helena walked out in. Risa, leaning against a concrete pillar to keep an eye in their surroundings, snuck a glance and raised her brows at Abel.
Abel tapped against his chin as he took her in. He hadn’t noticed how long he’d remained silent until Helena pointed it out. Abel got up from his chair to have a closer look. Stepping around the young woman, eyes wandering from top to bottom. IT FIT LIKE A GLOVE. The colour was a flattering shade that brought out Helena’s eyes and it matched the occasion they were going for. Eventually, he stopped circling her. ❛❛It’s perfect. It’s –❜❜ He noted the flush crawling over Helena’s face, her hands, and the sight eased the soft frown in his stern expression a little. It was quite surprising to witness, but not entirely unwelcome. A little bit of satisfaction after their constant bickering was like honey on a soar throat. But what he said in the matter was nothing but honest. ❛❛You look outstanding”, Abel emphasized, reaching for her wrist. He gently pulled her in front of the big mirror and stood behind her. Closer than he probably should, but the public helped to maintain THE FLEETING AMOUNT of decency that was left after sharing a bed. He looked at her through the mirror, tilting his head. ❛❛I would almost mistake you for royalty, wouldn’t you agree?❜❜