Melanie

I step out of the dressing room, the fabric of the dress clinging to my form, and I turn to Evie with a hopeful expression. "What do you think?"

Evie scrunches her nose and gives a definitive shake of her head. "Not working for you, Mel. It's a no."

My shoulders sag, disappointment washing over me. I turn away from her and head back into the dressing room, determined to find something that works. The whole shopping experience feels like an endless loop of trying on dresses and receiving Evie's less-than-enthusiastic feedback.

Trying on another dress, I emerge from the dressing room once again. This time, Evie's eyes widen, and she lets out an audible gasp. "Melanie, no. That's hideous."

Frustration bubbles up within me. "I won't find anything," I mutter, my confidence waning with each rejected dress.

Evie approaches me, her expression sincere. "You won't find any good clothes if you keep trying to dress like a grandma."

I shoot her a warning look, my patience wearing thin. Evie throws her hands up in defense. "I'm just saying."

Turning on my heel, I return to the dressing room, contemplating my choices. As I start undressing, Evie tosses another dress into the room, her voice echoing from outside. "Just try it on."

I look at the green velvet dress in my hands, taking a deep breath before deciding to give it a shot. The fabric feels luxurious against my skin as I put it on. It falls just above the knee, cinched at the waist, with a high neckline and a low-cut back. It's a stunning dress, and the deep green hue complements my skin tone, making my hazel eyes pop. Satisfied, I glance at myself in the mirror.

When I step out, Evie claps her hands, exclaiming, "That dress looks great on you!"

A genuine smile tugs at my lips. "You really think so?"

Evie nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely! You should buy it. It's classy and sexy."

My breath hitches at the thought of Daniel's reaction. Maybe he won't like it.

Evie beams, suggesting, "It will look amazing with some gold accessories. Let's find the accessories section."

But my hesitation surfaces, and I stop her. "Wait, maybe we should look at a few more dresses."

Evie raises an eyebrow, sensing something more. "Is this about Daniel?"

I dart my eyes away, caught in my own guilt. Evie takes a deep breath, her gaze penetrating mine. "Daniel shouldn't dictate what you wear, Mel, or any man for that matter. Or what you should weigh."

My eyes widen slightly, my secret laid bare. Evie continues, her voice filled with genuine concern, "You've lost weight, Mel. I'm worried about you."

I mumble, almost inaudible, "I'm fine."

Evie doesn't back down. She looks me in the eyes, unwavering. "Are you really fine, Mel?"

I shift uncomfortably, feeling exposed. "I... I just want to find something that makes me feel good, you know?"

Evie nods, her concern not diminishing. "And that's important. But don't let anyone else's expectations overshadow what makes you happy. You're beautiful as you are, inside and out."

Evie's words linger in the air, and I nod, acknowledging her concern. "Thanks, Evie. I appreciate it."

She adds with a smile, "That being said, I hope you eat well while you're visiting Mallory."

I chuckle, thinking about the mouthwatering meals Adam is known for. "I'll probably gain some weight. Adam is an excellent cook."

Evie grins, satisfied. "Good."

She glances at the array of dresses around us and asks, "So, do you really want to try on more dresses?"

I cast a fleeting glance at the mirror, admiring how the green dress complements me. After a moment's contemplation, I shake my head. "No, I'm going to buy this one."

Evie claps her hands enthusiastically. "Great! Change so we can browse some accessories."

Returning to the dressing room, I slip out of the dress and back into my own clothes. With the green dress draped over my arm, I step out, ready to explore the accessories section.

As Evie and I walk toward the glittering array of accessories, she admits, "I've missed Mallory."

I echo her sentiment, "I've missed her too. I'm really happy to see her."

Evie hesitates for a moment before asking, "Will Daniel come along?"

"Of course," I reply with a smile. "I told him this morning, and he's stoked about it."

She hesitates before asking, "How did Mallory take it?

I sigh, the memory of our conversation lingering. "She was okay with it."

Evie subtly gestures towards a display of gold earrings, diverting the conversation. "These would look great on you, Mel."

I examine the earrings and nod in agreement. "I like them."

As we continue browsing, I mention, "Mallory and Adam are planning to host a dinner party, so it wouldn't make sense for Daniel not to be there."

Evie mumbles under her breath, "Wouldn't be the worst thing."

I shoot her an angry look, and Evie quickly apologizes. "Sorry, Mel."

I pick up a delicate bracelet, the gold chain catching the light as I examine it. The intricate design appeals to me, and I turn to Evie. "What do you think of this?"

She glances at the bracelet and nods approvingly. "Nice choice, Mel."

As I fiddle with the bracelet in my hands, I feel a heaviness in my chest. It's time to address the elephant in the room. "Evie, it's important to me that you and Mallory give Daniel a chance. He really has changed."

Evie looks at me sympathetically, her expression softening. "I'm trying, Mel, but it's hard."

I nod sadly, understanding the complexities of the situation. "I know, but please, try to see the man he's become."

Evie hesitates for a moment before she speaks. "Mel, don't take this the wrong way, but it doesn't seem like he's changed that much."

I furrow my brows, a sense of defensiveness rising within me. "What do you mean?"

Evie takes a minute, as if she is choosing her words carefully. "It doesn't feel like Daniel loves you. If he did, he wouldn't change your wardrobe or ask you to lose weight."

A heavy sigh escapes me, and I divert my gaze from Evie. The truth stings, and I find myself grappling with conflicting emotions. "Daniel is looking out for me," I mumble, my voice barely audible. I want to believe it, to defend the man I love, but doubt lingers in the air.

It's true, I've changed so much for Daniel—my wardrobe, my appearance. It's not a transformation I'm entirely comfortable with, but he makes me happy. Isn't compromise a part of every relationship?

Evie breaks the silence, steering the conversation towards a lighter topic. "Who else is going to be at the dinner party?"

I shrug, uncertain. "I don't know. I didn't ask Mallory."

"Do you think Marcus will be there?" Evie asks, her curiosity evident.

The mention of Marcus catches me off guard. I hadn't considered the possibility of him being at the dinner party. "I don't know. It's possible. He's Adam's best friend."

A pang of unease settles in my stomach. I hadn't thought of the possibility of seeing Marcus again. I really hope he isn't there. The idea of facing him after everything feels daunting, and I can't shake the nervous flutter in my chest.