The next couple of days are awkward. I don't know what I want, and he's well aware of that.

He's giving me space. I appreciate it, but it makes my decision much harder. 

Deep down, I've always known what I wanted. I just can't bear to say it or act upon it. 

I just want to have a happy time in England, is that too much to ask? 

Me: Let's do something today.

I wait for a response.

H: Sorry Love, I actually have lunch with the boys. Another day Xx

Oh? 

I put my phone down and sigh. Am I supposed to explore by myself? Stay in my room? Drink?

My phone dings and I get a text from an unknown number, a new trend in my life.

Unknown: Hi honey, it's Anne! Harry's mum. Let's do something today!

How in the world did she get my number? 

I text her back, asking what she has in mind. She texts me an address and tells me to meet her there at 1.

I google the place to see it's a mall. Interesting...

I get ready and call an Uber to take me. Ever since Harry's rented the car, he's given his driver time off. A little inconsiderate for me, but I'll survive. 

When I arrive, I nervously wait for his mom. Even though she doesn't know the deal between us, I still feel like I'm meeting my boyfriend's parents, except it's worse. There's much more pressure. 

She waits for me right by the entrance and engulfs me in a hug when she sees me. 

"Hello lovely! Come, let's do some shopping." She leads me into the mall. I'm amazed at all the stores. It's much more upbeat than the one I work at. Not to mention, very expensive. There are mainly expensive stores like Armani, Gucci, and Burberry. I've never been in one, let alone buy anything. 

"Any special occasion?" I ask as she drags me through the mall.

She pulls me into a Prada store and I immediately feel out of place. It seems like all eyes are on me, even though everyone's too busy shopping for themselves.

"Ah, I'm hosting a party!" She explains while looking through the clothes.

I nod and begin looking with her. "So what style are you looking for?"

She stops her searching and pulls out a long gown. "Perfect. Try this on!" She shoves the dress in my direction.

I grab the dress before it falls. "Wait, what?"

"It's for you, honey. I already have my own clothes." She says, distracted by more clothes.

"Oh... Mrs. Styles..."

"Anne" she interrupts me.

"Anne. I can't afford this." I admit. Even if I could spend thousands of dollars on an evening gown, it's not reasonable.

She doesn't even bat an eye. "Just try it on!" She basically shoves me towards the fitting room. I stumble in, knowing she's stubborn and won't let me argue. Like mother like son. 

I reluctantly try it on, knowing I'll love it. When I step out, she's waiting for me with three other dresses. 

"Oh wow," is all she says. "Try these on as well." She hands me the pile of gowns and I quickly grab them before they fall to the ground. 

"Anne," I start. She waves me away and shuts the fitting room door. 

I try each gown on. One is a royal blue, one is red, and one is dark green. When I come out in the emerald one, her jaw drops. 

I have to admit, I love it. It's a velvet material and has one sleeve. It hugs me in all the right places and pools at my feet. I feel beautiful in it. 

"This is the one, you have to get this one!" She cheers, eyeing me up and down. 

"Anne, this is all fun and games, but I really can't afford this. I can't even look at the price." I sigh, disappointed. I shouldn't have even tried it on. I knew I'd get attached, and only hurt when I don't buy it, even if it's not the most reasonable choice. 

"Hush. You've done so much for Harry. Let me just buy this for you. My treat." She smiles kindly.

My eyes go wide. "Oh, definitely not. It's so expensive!" I hate the idea of handouts, especially from people I don't know. I love Anne, I truly do, but I've known her for days. She doesn't owe it to me to buy a dress, and there's no way I can accept it. The guilt would eat me alive. 

"And I have money! Please don't worry about it. There's a reason my son works so hard, so I can live comfortably. Now please, change out of it. I'll be outside."

Before I can argue, she's gone. When I change back into my jeans, I see Anne standing by the door, Prada bag in hand. She waves me over and hands me the bag. 

"The receipt isn't in there so don't even think about returning it," she warns. Darn, that was exactly my plan. 

She then drags me to a Tiffany's. Of course, she's looking for a jewelry set that'll match my dress. I can't possibly argue with her. She's incredibly stubborn, just like her son. 

"I really don't need this. I have perfectly fine jewelry." I argue. 

She closes her ears and continues to look. "Forever 21 necklaces aren't fine darling. Please."

I sigh, not wanting to argue more. It's exhausting, especially because Anne knows she'll win. She grabs my hand for ring measurements and I do as she says. If anything, I can just give it back to Harry before I leave.

"What's this party about anyway?" I ask, distracting myself.

She asks the attendant to pull out an earring/ring set. "It's a charity benefit for the fires in Australia." 

My heart warms. She's so generous. 

Fine, I'll let her do whatever she wants for me. It's for a good cause and I don't want to make her mad. 

She finally decides on a set and purchases them before I can even see. I hope it's not ugly. Knowing Anne, it probably won't be. 

H: Where are you?? 

He doesn't know? I thought Anne would have told him.

Me: Out shopping. Will be back later.

I follow her out of the store and carry the second bag. I have never done so much damage in one day. 

We roam around a couple more stores. Of course, I need heels to go with this outfit, even though I already have some.

We stop at a Starbucks in the mall for some coffee. I manage to pay for her for once. We sit at a small table and relax. 

"So, how is Harry treating you?" She asks. 

I shrug. "Not as well as you are." I gesture to the bags. She chuckles. "He's a good boss. Always makes sure I'm comfortable." 

"Just a boss?" She asks innocently. 

"Yep," I lie. 

"Weird..." she trails. "Anyway, I want to apologize for the way my daughter treated you that night. I don't know what's gotten into her. She's always cautious around other people. She thinks they're out for the worst."

I nod, completely understanding. "Of course. It's no problem. She's just trying to protect her brother. I have a younger sister back home and I would do anything for her."

Her eyes light up. "You do? That must be so fun!"

"Yeah actually. She's a pain, but I love her. Besides, she's a big Harry fan so this is just as exciting to her."

"She must be really trustworthy to not expose you." She smiles.

"Excuse me?" I ask, very confused,

She places her hand on top of mine. "Well, I haven't seen any unreleased videos of Harry and nothing about some random girl bragging, so I'm assuming she hasn't told anyone."

Relief washes over my face. For a moment, I think she knows about us. "Yeah, it's hard for her but a promise is a promise."

We get ready to leave the coffee shop and go back home. "You're a sweet girl, Ellie, so is my boy. I hope you guys see what you have is unreplaceable." 

I nod. "Yeah, he's a good guy. Glad to be working for him." I smile, but sadness lingers behind it. 

I get dropped off by Anne, insisting her car is safer than a random Uber. I don't object, grateful for the ride. I thank her for a wonderful day and clothes.

I feel so awkward going up to my room with these bags. As I wait for the elevator, I feel a presence behind me. I glance over to see Harry. 

He smiles until he notices the bags. "Who bought you those?" He's half-joking. He knows I would never buy this.

I decide to tease him back. "My rich secret boyfriend."

"Haha," he sarcastically laughs. "Seriously, who?"

"I guess you'll never know," I smirk as I step into the elevator. He's in such deep thought that he doesn't notice the door closing, separating us. 

I giggle as I go up. It's fun to mess with him.

When I reach my floor, I quickly throw the bags in my room before anyone can see them. I wouldn't want to get robbed.

I hear a knock and see Harry standing outside. 

"Hey, I'm sorry I couldn't hang out today."

I shrug. "It's fine, I kept myself busy."

"I can see that," he grins, gesturing to the bags I tossed in my room. Then, he nervously puts his hands in his pockets. "Uh, I wanted to tell you about this charity ball my mum is hosting tomorrow. It's a masquerade ball." 

This is news to me. I didn't know I'd need a mask. Why didn't his mom tell me about it?

"Oh, cool. Is this an invite?" I ask nonchalantly.

He nervously rubs the back of his head. "It's up to you. Um, there's going to be a lot of snobby people. I don't even know if you have anything to wear. Uh, feel free to use the company card if you want to buy something."

"Oh yeah," I say cooly. "I actually think I have plans tomorrow, but I'll try. Thanks for the invite," I call out before shutting the door.

I don't want him to know I'm going. It's a masquerade, which makes it more interesting. Let's see how true this soulmate bond really is. 

My phone beeps and I see a text from Anne.

Anne (Styles): Me and Gemma are getting professionally ready tomorrow before the party. Please join us. 

I dread seeing Gemma, but agree, not that I have much of a choice. At least I'll look hot.