"Elise, let me hear you clearly," Jiji said slowly. "So you're saying I already know your boyfriend… and that he's rich?"
Elise nodded.
"Then why won't you just tell me who he is?" Jiji pressed.
"Because I want to show you," Elise said softly. "We're going out on our first date tonight. And Jiji… I know nothing about fashion. I'll embarrass myself. I need your help."
Jiji's lips curved into a confident smile.
"Leave that to me, my friend. I've got you." Jiji said.
"But promise me you'll introduce him to me really soon." Elise nodded.
Both ladies ordered a ride and went to a spa tucked neatly between two large boutiques, the kind of place that smelled like flowers and money. It made so much sense. They'd get their nails and hair done first, then walk straight into shopping.
Elise sat quietly while her nails were done, watching Jiji chat happily with the workers like she owned the place. When they moved to hair, Elise barely recognized herself in the mirror. For once, she looked… cared for.
Once it was time to pay, she brought out Lucien's card and paid for everything. Jiji felt like a queen beside her now rich friend. How things change so quickly.
Her friend who had nothing to her name, now had a boyfriend, his black card, and was already living a lavish lifestyle. Jiji always knew her Elise would be so rich one day, but she had no idea when.
Afterward, they walked into one of the boutiques. Elise tried on dress after dress, soft colors, elegant cuts, things she found beautiful. But every time she stepped out, Jiji shook her head.
"No."
"Too safe."
"You're dressing like you're going to a meeting, not a date Elise."
"Are you going to church? If I were your pastor, I would chase you out." Jiji acted like those harsh couches on the fields.
Hours passed before Jiji suddenly stopped in front of one dress.
"This one." she clapped.
It was a black mini dress. Simple, bold, and nothing like what Elise usually wore. It hugged her curves, showing a side of her she had never allowed herself to see.
Elise felt exposed and uncomfortable. Cold air sipped through her back making her shiver a little and she bit her lips.
"Are you sure this is okay Jiji?" She asked her bestie.
"Okay? Elise, do you want one of these hoes to steal your man?" Elise shook her head. Not that she was scared or anything. Her Lucien, doesn't do love.
But then she remembered.
She didn't have much time left.
If she didn't wear it now, she never would. These were her last thirty days. She wanted to live them fully, no hiding, no shrinking, no fear.
She looked at her reflection again and swallowed.
"I'll take it," Elise said.
Tonight, she would make the time she had left count.
Elise bought extra clothes and Jiji and paid for her ride back home after they were done shopping. Jiji had asked for pictures and Elise promised to send her some. She was nervous about the place Lucien wanted to take her to.
Though he hadn't given her any time and it was already past four in the evening. Her heart pounded, wondering if she was late already.
When Elise returned to the mansion, she made sure the cab dropped her at the gate this time. She didn't want to trek all the way down and lose her strength, especially since she was going on her first date tonight.
Elise was super excited. She didn't know what to expect. Will tonight be the night of her first kiss?
Will Lucien confess that he had magically fallen in love with her?
She passed through the gates and walked inside all bubbling with joy and happiness. She couldn't wait to share the pictures with Jiji.
"Where are you coming from?"
The deep voice sounded behind her the moment she stepped in. Elise froze and turned around, her eyes widening.
Lucien stood there with his usual cold expression. He was already dressed in a white shirt and grey pants, hands tucked into his pockets, dark hair falling carelessly across his forehead. He looked so untouchable.
And painfully attractive.
That strange ache returned instantly, low in her body. Elise pressed her legs together, embarrassed by herself.
Her doctor had told her to let him help when the feeling came. But how could she ever say something like that to Lucien?
"S… shopping," she said softly. "Like you asked."
She waited for him to notice her new hair. Her nails and skin... The effort she had put in for him.
But Lucien didn't comment on anything. Not even a glance of approval. It was like she hadn't changed at all.
"Does that shopping include buying a grave?" he asked calmly and Elise's heart skipped. She had not meant for him to know about her illness. If he knows, he might now want her.
"I—" she swallowed. "I also went to the hospital."
"What for?" Lucien asked. "Didn't you get treatment last night?"
"I did," she said quickly. "But today was my monthly check-up. I couldn't miss it." She forced a small smile trying to figure out a solid lie out of this mess.
"There was a program at the hospital," Elise added smoothly. "They advised people to purchase cemetery spaces ahead of time… for the future. So I did. There's no harm in being prepared."
She lied without blinking.
Lucien smiled faintly.
"There's still space." She added. "If you want, I can buy one for you too."
"You don't know how many graves already have my name attached to them," he said casually, as if talking about properties instead of death.
"Hurry up," he finally said, turning away. "Go get dressed. We're going out tonight."
Elise nodded quickly.
She rushed upstairs, her heart light despite everything. She slipped into the new dress, the shoes, the jewelry Jiji had carefully chosen. If Lucien doesn't find her attractive yet, there's no way he'd be able to resist her in this new dress.
She grabbed her new purse and hurried back out, afraid of making Lucien wait.
As she stepped out of the room, she saw the gift she had gotten for Lucien and smiled. She'd give him after their date together. It was a couple of necklaces, she already had her half and had decided to give him the other half.
It's one of the many things she wishes she had done if she had a boyfriend. Elise smiled and placed it in her purse before stepping out of the room.
She hadn't eaten all day. The excitement had made her forget.
But it was fine, they were going on a date. She could eat later.
When she reached the lounge, Lucien was still in his white shirt and grey pants.
Is that what he's wearing?
Her heart thumped. Suddenly, the night felt… serious. This is it, the moment she's been waiting for since earlier today. Her first ever date.
"I'm ready," Elise said softly.
Lucien lifted his head and looked at her.
This time, his gaze lingered.
The ache returned, harder now. Elise pressed her thighs together again and lowered her head shyly, waiting for a compliment.
But none came.
"Let's go," he said, already turning away and Elise quickly followed him outside. When they reached the front door she realized there was no car waiting.
She looked around confused. How were they going out without a car?
"Come with me, Elise," Lucien said, walking in a different direction.
She hesitated, then followed him.
They walked through the back of the large mansion, until they reached the garden.
Lucien stopped in his tracks and stepped in.
"Our first date is here," he said calmly.
Elise blinked. She saw him pick out a rake and other gardening equipment.
Then he said, without emotion,
"Clean up this mess before dinner."