Betrayed, I Knocked Demon Lord's Door - Chapter 53: Chapter 53

Caitlyn stood quietly outside the fitting room, waiting for Leon to come out. A saleswoman in sheer black stockings and a tight skirt stood beside her, smiling brightly. "Miss, your boyfriend is so handsome, and with your sense of style? That outfit will look absolutely perfect on him."
"He's not out yet," Caitlyn replied flatly, then added, "Let's see how it looks first."
She already had a second outfit in her hands. When it came to clothes, she could be a little picky. Since Leon left it up to her, of course she'd make sure he came out looking his best.
Just then, the fitting room door swung open, and Leon stepped out, a gust of confidence following him.
Hands in his pockets, he stood in front of Caitlyn with a deliberately blank expression, feigning aloofness.
He wore a black overcoat, open at the front to reveal a crisp white hoodie underneath, paired with fleece-lined jeans. His tall frame and perfect proportions filled out the outfit with absurd precision.
With that sharp, distant look on his face, he resembled a lone wolf king prowling through frozen wastelands—cold, dangerous, and untouchable.
The saleswoman was so stunned she almost swallowed her tongue.
Holy crap... where did that cheeky guy in the pink coat go? Who was this walking Calvin Klein billboard?
"Caitlyn, how do I look?" Leon asked, his voice low and magnetic as he reached out to touch her cheek.
She swatted his hand away without hesitation.
"Turn around," Caitlyn said, arms folded around the next outfit, her tone cool and flat.
Leon blinked at her, then quietly muttered an "Okay..." like a scolded puppy. In that moment, the aura of brooding masculinity evaporated, replaced by a very obedient, clingy golden retriever vibe.
He awkwardly spun in a circle. Caitlyn circled him once too, her face expressionless. Then she shoved the second outfit into his arms. "Try this one next."
Leon pouted slightly and trudged back into the fitting room like a defeated model.
He thought he looked pretty good, honestly...
The saleswoman, now recovered, glanced at Caitlyn with confusion. "Miss, your boyfriend looked absolutely incredible in that last outfit. Why..."
Her words cut off mid-sentence.
Because the girl who had just been exuding ice-cold disapproval was now squatting on the floor, hiding her face in her hands, blushing furiously, lips pressed tightly together.
He was too handsome. And that whole brooding thing... that wasn't the Leon she knew.
The saleswoman's mouth twitched. Was this what they called a classic tsundere?
"Well, just a kind tip, miss," she offered gently, "If you think he looks good, it wouldn't hurt to say so. Guys love that kind of praise."
"I know..." Caitlyn mumbled, taking a deep breath, patting her flaming cheeks, and standing back up. Then she composed herself and said, face blank again, "He's not my boyfriend."
"Ah?" the saleswoman blinked.
"Then... is he your brother?"
"No."
"Oh! Then you're already married?"
"No," Caitlyn deadpanned.
The saleswoman paused. Then sucked in a breath.
A more... complicated relationship?
Well, it was Ekavine City, after all.
Leon became her personal dress-up doll for the next hour. What began as excited curiosity soon turned into mechanical numbness.
Caitlyn, on the other hand, only got more thrilled with every new outfit. The guy was a walking mannequin—everything looked amazing on him.
Eventually, she even shooed the saleswoman away so she could admire him in peace.
"Caitlyn... are we done yet?" Leon asked tiredly.
He never imagined changing clothes could be so exhausting.
"Yes," she replied at last. "I've told them to pack up the ones I'm buying."
Leon visibly perked up.
He ducked back into the fitting room and reemerged with Caitlyn's pastel pink coat draped proudly over his shoulders.
Caitlyn looked at him, expression conflicted.
"If you like it, it's yours," she said. "But maybe don't wear it out too much... it's a little... flashy."
Translation: it was obnoxiously flamboyant.
"That'll be six thousand dollars," the smiling saleswoman announced brightly.
Leon froze. "Six... thousand?"
He turned to Caitlyn in stunned silence.
"Card," she said calmly.
"Whose?" the saleswoman blinked.
Caitlyn handed her the card without another word.
The saleswoman stared at the pair, eyes wide with realization. 'Oh... so it's the guy who's being kept.'
She smiled sweetly to herself. One day, when she had money, she was definitely going to keep a man this handsome. And he wouldn't even be allowed to wear clothes at home.
Leon clutched the bags, dazed, as he followed Caitlyn out of the store.
Once they were a good distance away, he finally muttered, "Caitlyn... wasn't that a little expensive?"
Given his status and strength, it really wasn't.
But he'd gotten so used to the "tight-budget household" image that spending that much on clothes made his heart race.
"You're paying me back," Caitlyn said breezily, clearly in a good mood.
Only three sets, though. She'd wanted to buy everything he tried on, but her savings were limited. Last month's paycheck still needed to cover essentials.
But damn—watching Leon model clothes was more satisfying than shopping for herself.
"It's fine..." Leon leaned in, whispering near her ear, "Are we good on this month's living expenses?"
"You think I'm the kind of woman who spends irresponsibly?" Caitlyn huffed. "Ekavine City pays professors well. I just don't bother taking on extra research projects anymore.
"Besides, if you picked up a random commission from the Guild of Hunters, it'd bring in plenty."
"True, but I thought we were living the modest civilian life," Leon scratched his head.
"Can't I dress you up a little if it makes me happy?"
"Of course you can. I've probably racked up a debt I'll never pay off. Whatever makes you happy, Caitlyn." Leon grinned and gently took her hand.
Caitlyn stiffened, but pretended not to care. "How about barbecue?"
"Perfect. I've been craving meat. Let's go."
Leon held her hand tighter, heart surging with relief.
She didn't pull away. That was enough.
Caitlyn's face was unreadable, lips pursed. Inside, though, she was a mess of tangled thoughts.
'Just a hand-hold... it's not a big deal. Friends do it all the time. If he crosses the line later, I'll shut him down—no mercy.'
"Is that Professor Morrow?"
"Leon?"
Two voices rang out across the mall at once.
Both Caitlyn and Leon stopped in their tracks and turned around in sync.