Chapter 7
Cassandra and Victoria walked into Elvara Boutique, a classic Virellian luxury brand known for its elegant silk scarves.
Elvara scarves were known for their understated luxury, refined craftsmanship, and tasteful floral patterns–perfect for sophisticated, mature women.
Through the store window, Cassandra spotted a beautiful silk scarf that immediately seemed perfect as a gift. It was elegant yet subtle, luxurious without being flashy.
“I’d like that scarf on display, please,” Cassandra told the salesperson, admiring it more with every glance.
Just as she spoke, a sharp voice came from behind her. “I already picked out that scarf.”
Cassandra frowned slightly. Why did that voice sound so familiar?
When Cassandra turned around, she saw Aidan’s mother, Beatrice Fairchild, and his sister, Clarisse Ziegler, standing in the doorway.
Both of them carried numerous designer shopping bags, pointing arrogantly at the scarf Cassandra had chosen.
Cassandra couldn’t help but smile bitterly at her bad luck. It seemed like a tiny world today. Everywhere she went, trouble followed.
Still, she reminded herself that she and Aidan had broken up, so his family didn’t matter to her anymore.
Beatrice and Clarisse had always been snobbish, materialistic, and condescending. They had never approved of Cassandra.
While dating Aidan, Cassandra had spent considerable effort winning Beatrice over, gifting her expensive cosmetics, designer handbags, and luxurious supplements.
As the F&W business grew, Cassandra became even more generous. She gave Clarisse increasingly expensive gifts. Yet no matter how hard she tried, she’d never earned their genuine acceptance.
Taking a deep breath, Cassandra steadied herself and smiled politely. “I believe I was here first. It’s only fair to go by who gets here first, right?”
When Beatrice and Clarisse saw Cassandra, they immediately scowled.
Beatrice raised her chin slightly, eyeing Cassandra disdainfully. “Cassandra? What are you doing here? Are you shopping again? Don’t you know how hard Aidan works for his money? All you know is how to waste it.”
Clarisse sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “Exactly. Cassandra, did you wander into the wrong store? These scarves aren’t cheap. Or perhaps you’re going to buy it for Mom?”
Clarisse assumed Cassandra intended the scarf as a gift because it was clearly meant for a more mature woman. After all, Cassandra had given Beatrice expensive gifts before.
Beatrice suddenly paused, realizing she’d rushed into criticizing Cassandra without thinking that the scarf might indeed be intended for her.
Cassandra nearly laughed out loud at their arrogance. Did these women really think so highly of themselves?
With a composed smile, Cassandra replied calmly, “Sorry to disappoint you. The scarf is a gift, but it’s definitely not for you, Mrs. Ziegler. Aidan and I have already broken up, so there’s no connection between us anymore.”
Beatrice’s eyes widened in shock, her voice rising involuntarily, “Is that true? That’s great news! You and Aidan were never a good match. Someone like you was never meant to be part of our family.”
“Exactly!” Clarisse added mockingly. “It’s a good reason to celebrate. Don’t think buying a scarf changes anything. You can dress up, but you’ll never hide your poor upbringing.”
Victoria couldn’t take it any longer. She snapped back, “Did you eat garbage for breakfast? Your mouth sure stinks!”
Clarisse eyed Victoria disdainfully. “You’re such a vulgar woman. No wonder you two get along so well. Have you even looked in the mirror? You’re embarrassing yourselves here!”
“Actually, i look in the mirror every day,” Cassandra replied coolly. She turned back to the salesperson, “Please wrap the scarf for me.”
Beatrice frowned. Was this Cassandra’s true colors?
Cassandra was nothing like the timid, obedient woman who used to bend over backward to please her. Now, she seemed like a completely different person.
Still not satisfied, Cassandra bought two more expensive dresses, making sure Beatrice and Clarisse saw them.”
Their expressions darkened as Cassandra walked past them triumphantly.
Watching Cassandra leave, Beatrice’s face twisted in frustration. “Cassandra has completely lost her manners.”
Clarisse scoffed, trying to mask her embarrassment with more disdain. “Mom, don’t let her get to you. She’s still the same cheap woman underneath. No matter how much she pretends, she can’t hide her real background. You should call Aidan right now and confirm if they really broke up.”
still furious, Beatrice intunediately called her son. As soon as he answered, she quickly asked, “Aldan, did you break up with Cassandra?”
Aldan paused, then replied irritably, “Who said that? We’re just having a misunderstanding. She’ll be back soon enough.”
“You foolish boy!” Beatrice scolded angrily. “We just saw her shopping at an expensive boutique. If she really broke up with you, that’s a good thing! Someone like bet never deserved you. Don’t take her seriously. I’ll find someone better for you.”
Aidan’s mood darkened instantly. “Mom, this is my business. Stop interfering,”
Even though he felt fresh excitement being with Clara, he wasn’t ready to let go of Cassandra just yet. He’d gotten used to having her around.
Sering berson refuse to listen, Beatrice exploded. “You’d better cut ties with her completely! And don’t let her keep any company shares either!” Cassandra should walk away with nothing
Chapter
After hanging up, Aidan frowned deeply. What exactly was Cassandra up to? Was she trying to provoke him, playing hard–to–get?
Even with his doubts, Aldan still believed Cassandra would soon come back to him.
This wasn’t the first time they’d fought. Cassandra had always come back, pleading for reconciliation.
Aidan was certain that this time would be no different. She loved him too much to stay away.
Cassandra and Victoria left the mall, both feeling refreshed.
Victoria gave Cassandra a thumbs–up. “Cassie, that was amazing! It felt so good to finally teach those arrogant women a lesson. I’ve wanted to tell Beatrice and Clarisse off for ages!”
Every time they’d encountered the Zieglers, Victoria had watched Cassandra silently endure their snobbish attitudes because of her love for Aldan. But today, things were different.
Cassandra laughed, looping her arm through Victoria’s. “Honestly, It’s not a big deal, I just realized there’s no point in compromising myself anymore. I used fo think that tolerating their behavior would make things better, but now I finally see that some people just aren’t worth it.”
Victoria nodded approvingly. “Exactly! You should’ve done this a long time ago. Aidan’s such a narcissist, and his mother and sister are even worse. They think that the entire world revolves around them!”
Cassandra chuckled and shook her head. “Enough about them. How about we get some coffee? It’s on me,”
As they walked toward the café, Cassandra felt lighter, even excited about her new life with Tristan. She wondered how their marriage would unfold.
