Chapter 37: Trying It On for Her
After hearing my explanation, Davina excitedly called Fletcher.
Through the glass door, I could hear her high–pitched, cheerful voice, full of joy, a stark contrast to the way she had been glaring at me in the break room not long ago.
For some reason, I felt a sense of relief, like I had narrowly escaped a disaster.
was just glad that nothing had escalated into a mess that would slow down my work.
And sure enough, as I sent the Couple’s Moments page to Fletcher, he quickly transferred another twenty thousand to me.
I listened to the howling wind outside, then
1/13
called Miles.
“I got paid. Can you come by tomorrow? I want to buy Sabrina two new outfits.”
Miles had always been fond of Sabrina, so he was more than happy to oblige.
We arranged to meet at the mall.
Not long after, Daphne called.
“Lena, my skincare products are running low. Do you have time tomorrow to go shopping with me?”
I was honest with her. “Sorry, Daphne. I already have plans.”
Daphne sighed in disappointment. “Oh well, next time then.”
2/13
She hung up without another word.
It was rather decisive of her. I suppose she thought I was deliberately avoiding her and wasn’t happy about it.
In the past, I might have tried to smooth things over with her, but now, it just didn’t feel right.
The next morning, as agreed, I arrived at the mall, strolling through the men’s and children’s sections.
In the end, I picked out a warm brown men’s down jacket and made the purchase.
As I turned around, I was surprised to see Callie and Davina standing behind me.
Callie had a good memory and greeted me with a smile, while Davina walked over and
3/13
asked curiously, “Charlene, are you picking out an outfit for Professor Fleming?”
I smiled without responding. Just as I was about to leave, I heard Callie ask, “Ms. Grande, do you have a young child?”
I froze for a moment, and when I looked at Callie, I noticed her sharp, gleaming eyes were focused on the children’s clothing bag I was holding.
“It’s for a relative’s child,” I replied.
Callie complimented, “Ms. Grande, you’re not only pretty but also kind–hearted.”
I didn’t pay much attention to it, thinking of the time I had arranged with Miles. I exchanged a few words before heading out.
From a distance, I vaguely heard Callie
4/13
talking to Davina.
“Vina, you’re fair and beautiful, and Fletcher is such a handsome young man. The babies you two have will surely be adorable…”
Davina playfully complained, “Mom, it’s all still a long way off.”
Callie responded, “It’s only a matter of time. I’m not saying this to pressure you, but you really should put more effort into speeding things up. Besides, there’s hardly a man who isn’t interested in sex…”
Such private comments were being made out loud, but as crude as they were, there was some truth in them. Even someone like Fletcher, who seemed so proper, surely had his desires.
Had he wanted to get those needs met with
5/13
me since he couldn’t bring himself to be intimate with her?
The thought of last night’s power outage crossed my mind, and I bitterly tugged at the corner of my lips.
Half an hour later, I was anxiously waiting by the mall entrance, calling Miles.
He couldn’t find the mall entrance.
“Don’t worry, stay where you are, I’ll come find you, I reassured him.
The mall was having an event these days, and the crowd was enormous. Since Miles wasn’t familiar with the area, it was easy for him to get lost.
I suddenly regretted choosing this location to meet him.
6/13
The more I thought about it, the worse I felt. While passing by the escalator, I missed a step and twisted my ankle.
A sharp pain shot up from my ankle, and I frowned, forcing myself to ignore the pain as I descended the escalator.
Just then, Miles called again, but this time, a different voice came through on the line.
“Yes, I’m at Gate 3. Could you please help
me…”
“Lena?” A surprised voice came through the receiver. “It’s me, Winston.”
To my surprise, the person helping Miles find the mall entrance was Winston.
After a while, when we met, Miles, looking
7/13
grateful, said, “It was him… who helped… he’s impressive.”
Winston listened patiently to his broken speech and smiled gently, “Miles, you’re great too, but next time, be sure to check the floor number”
I explained to Miles, “Winston and I are university classmates.”
Miles was visibly surprised, his face lighting up with joy. “It’s fate… Really!”
Winston told me that he had been helping drive his cousin here to shop and had unexpectedly run into the lost Miles in the parking garage.
Miles had gotten stuck on the basement level.
8/13
ooked at me, then at Winston, and said, “Lena, he helped me… we should treat him… to a meal.”
I quickly asked Winston for his opinion. He smiled and replied, “I’m actually a bit hungry. Alright, Miles, I’ll happily accept your offer.”
We entered an Italian restaurant.
Winston was poised and considerate, carefully inquiring about Miles‘ food preferences and recommending dishes he thought Miles would enjoy. And he ordered a hot drink for him.
Miles held the drink, offering Winston a sincere, somewhat shy smile. At first, he seemed a bit reserved, but as Winston engaged in light conversation, Miles gradually relaxed.
9/13
Chapter 37 trying
It was the kind of self–consciousness one might feel when a person from a lower status met someone of higher status. Yet Winston, with his considerate approach, managed to ease the awkwardness, making Miles feel more at ease.
I was actually quite touched.
When we mentioned buying Sabrina new clothes, Winston cheerfully added, “I was actually thinking of getting my mother a new coat as well. Lena, you’ll have to give me some guidance.”
I nodded, saying, “Professor Fleming, as long as you don’t mind if my taste is a bit old–fashioned.”
After the meal, the three of us headed to the women’s clothing section.
Chapter 37: Trying it
Among all the women’s coats, Miles picked a soft pink down jacket for Sabrina.
“Her skin is as fair as Lena’s,” he explained, shy like a young man in love. “She’ll look great in this.”
Sabrina was already 49, but in Miles‘ eyes, she would always be young and adorable.
I felt a pang in my chest and said, “Let’s go with this one.”
“Lena, aren’t you going to try it on?”
It was Winston who asked.
I hadn’t planned to buy any clothes and declined, “You go ahead and pick for Mrs. Fleming first.”
Winston seemed to sense my thoughts and
11/13
stipter 17: Trying it on for Hor
hesitated, “Her figure is similar to yours, Lena. Could you please help me try it on?”
Of course, I couldn’t refuse a favor.
Winston picked a camel–colored cashmere coat with a classic, refined look. The material was soft, and the fabric was top quality. I secretly glanced at the price–it was over 10,000.
It certainly matched Winston’s status.
When I came out of the fitting room, the sales assistant greeted me enthusiastically and said, “Your boyfriend has great taste. Look, you look as beautiful as a movie star”
Just as I was about to explain, I heard a familiar, sweet voice from the side. “Oh my, Daphne, look, isn’t that Charlene and Professor Fleming?”
I looked up and immediately spotted the three of them standing across the aisle: Fletcher, Davina, and Daphne.
