From Best Friend To Fiancé (Savannah and Roman) novel Chapter 25

**Dreams Folding Into Broken Time**
**Chapter 25**

As we stepped inside the boutique, the atmosphere was charged with a blend of excitement and anxiety. My gaze flitted over the chic displays, my sandals gliding smoothly across the polished marble floor, each step echoing softly in the vibrant space. Dean was a stride ahead of me, his demeanor intense and vigilant, as if he were navigating through a battlefield rather than a shopping district. His fingers raked through his hair in a restless manner, revealing the tension that coiled within him.

Then, like a melody breaking through the chaos, I heard it—the high, carefree laughter that belonged to none other than Chloe.

I pressed my lips together, casting a quick glance at Dean, who seemed to sense my unease. “There,” I whispered, pointing subtly in the direction of the sound.

Dean’s eyes followed my gesture, and a wave of relief washed over his features, softening the lines of worry etched on his brow. “Thank God,” he murmured, already moving with purpose, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive before I could even voice a protest. With a resigned sigh, I trailed behind him.

Chloe was a vision in the center of Valentina, wrapped in a luxurious maroon silk gown that hugged her figure perfectly. She spun gracefully in front of a mirror, her movements reminiscent of a model auditioning for a high-end perfume commercial. Shopping bags lay scattered at her feet, evidence of her retail escapades. Her hair cascaded down in full, luscious waves, no longer confined to the soft bun from earlier. The makeup she wore was minimal, yet it highlighted her features flawlessly. She appeared radiant, far from the emotionally shattered person we had feared she might be.

For crying out loud, she was absolutely glowing.

“Oh, look who finally decided to find me,” she exclaimed, pivoting to face us, a smug smile playing on her lips. “Took you long enough. I was starting to think no one cared.”

Dean rushed toward her as if he had just surfaced from underwater, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. “Are you okay? Jesus, Chloe. What the hell were you thinking, running off like that?”

“I needed space,” she replied, nonchalantly flipping her hair over her shoulder as if that would dismiss the gravity of her actions. “And some new shoes. I’m healing through retail therapy.”

“You’ve had us combing half the city for you,” I interjected, crossing my arms in a show of mock annoyance.

“And?” She raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her gaze. “I knew you’d find me. You always do. Besides, I wasn’t exactly hiding.”

Dean’s expression hardened, his brows knitting together in concern. “You left the hospital upset. What did you expect us to do?”

Chloe shrugged, her casual demeanor almost infuriating. She picked up one of the shopping bags, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. “To be left alone.”

I stepped closer, trying to keep my tone light while masking the worry that gnawed at me. “We were worried about you, Chlo. You kind of stormed off. Dad was about to call security.”

Her scoff was dismissive, dripping with sarcasm. “How dramatic.”

Ignoring her snarky retort, Dean pressed on, his concern unwavering. “Are you okay?”

Chloe raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Does it look like I’m bleeding?”

In a gesture that radiated affection, Dean took the bags from her arm and leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Don’t ever do that again, okay?”

She softened at his touch, her fingers curling around his belt as she leaned into him, her body fitting against his like a puzzle piece. “I won’t… if you promise to spoil me rotten when we get home.”

I forced a smile, attempting to mask my unease. “You look… like you’ve been retail-therapied.”

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