Chapter 31: Friends at the market

Jacquelyn watched as Kael crossed to the opposite side of the street without a backward glance for even a second. He had left her behind. For what? To search for the meaning of life while struggling for dresses with older women? The sting of abandonment was sharp, like a child on their first day of school, realizing their mother had gone.

Her expression bore the marks of betrayal heartache, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Young lady, won't you get yourself a dress?" One of the women asked, calling Jacquelyn's attention. "Come, come."

Before Jacquelyn could decline, the woman dragged her forward to join them in picking out dresses.

"You won't see dresses good for you over there, here check this part. You'll find a lot of dresses fit for a young girl like you." The woman held Jacquelyn closely, with a friendly smile.