“Just put it on my husband’s account. That too...and this...and that...” I instructed as I pointed my index finger randomly at various luxury bags there were on display.
“Yes, I will do that. Would you like to see our newest shoe collection. It’s this way...” the sales assistant quickly recommended.
She must have thought that luck was truly on her side after I turned up at the store. Of course, she recognized me as my sister immediately. I bet that in her entire career, she had never met a customer that bought so many things and without a thought.
“There’s no need. Just get me all the designs that you have,” I replied casually.
“Of course. May I know your size?” she asked before showing me a polite smile.
“Just get me on in every size,” I replied.
“Oh...right. Of course, I will do that. Thank you very much,” she replied with widened eyes.
The objective of this shopping spree wasn’t so that I could buy things that I liked and wanted but it was a way for me to relieve stress. On top of that, since I had no money to my name, I could get back at Bradon and his family a little by making them fund my unreasonable purchases. I knew that I was being petty, but I couldn’t care less at that moment.
“What about some clothes? We have new coats and dresses that you might like,” the sales assistant suggested.
“Just get me everything from the new collection,” I told her without bothering to view any of the items.
“Of course. I’ll put it on Mr. Vulkan’s account right away. Is there anything else that I can help you with?” she asked with a pleased smile.
“No...” I muttered before turning on my heels and walking right out of the boutique.
There wasn’t much left in the boutique that I hadn’t purchased so there was no point in staying there any longer. Although he kept a reasonable distance from me, I could feel Zain’s presence as he followed me around. I wanted to yell and take my anger out on someone so badly, so I was thankful that Zain was keeping his distance from me. The man I wanted to explode at wasn’t even here.
I entered another boutique and repeated the same raid by purchasing luxury items in bulk without even sparing anything as much as a glance. Once again, the shop assistant did not have any issues with charging the amount to Anthony’s account and having my purchases delivered at a later date. Walking in and out of various fashion boutiques slowly made me lose track of time. Suddenly, my feet came to a stop in front of a luxury clothing brand. As I stared up at the shiny golden sign bearing the boutique’s name, I wondered what exactly I was doing there and what it was that I was hoping to achieve.
Zain had not said a word ever since we set foot in the shopping mall. He must have sensed that I wasn’t in a mood to hear his voice or any of his nagging words. It probably took too long for the reality of my feelings to sink it. After letting out a long sigh, I had to admit to myself that doing whatever it was that I was doing wasn’t making me feel any better than before. Spending money that wasn’t mine on things that I didn’t want or need with the hope of attracting even a bit of Bradon’s attention didn’t help to unwind the doubt and frustrations in my mind. I was just as aggravated and enraged as before I stepped into the mall, if not more so.
Maybe I should just go home...or...
That thought ran through my head at the same time that I turned around and my eyes focused on a luxurious jewelry store. A woman’s feelings can be just as fickle as her mind. At least, that was what I believed when it came to myself. It may not make me feel better right away but buying something that sparkled just might do the trick.
“Let’s buy some jewelry, Zain...” I whispered as my eyes widened in renewed excitement.
When I turned to face him, Zain had a very strange look on his face. It was look that told me that he thought that we were about to get ourselves into even bigger trouble and he probably wasn’t wrong.
“Are you bored? I’m sure you hate babysitting me like this when you’ve probably got better and more interesting things to do, right?” I asked lightly as we both walked into the jewelry boutique.
The shop manager quickly approached us with a bright and welcoming smile that told me that she took me for Diana without the need to ask. It felt quite strange to be recognized by everyone for being someone who you are not.
“Welcome. It is our greatest honor to welcome you here. Please let me know how I can be of assistance or if you’re looking for something in particular...” she said before beaming another professional smile.
“I’ll just look around for now. Thank you,” I replied.
The manager realized that I wanted to be left alone for the time being and quickly excused herself. I turned my attention back to Zain who was standing not so far from me.
“So? Are you going to answer my questions from earlier?” I demanded to know.
“I’m not bored, My Lady. Taking care of you is an important duty that has been entrusted to me by the Master and I intend to do my job well,” he replied.
“He could have sent someone else. It’s not like anything is going to happen to me...not that it really matters...” I muttered softly before letting out another sigh.
“That is not true, My Lady. Danger can be lurking anywhere and everywhere and that is why we need to be on guard to remain safe at all times. Also, it would be bad if something were to happen to you,” he replied softly.
What could ever happen to me?
--To be continued...