5. Still the missus?

I spent the next two weeks redecorating the home Raven had gotten for me. With the help of the city's finest designer, Macy Partridge, the theme I had in mind gradually came to life—a regency motif in varied shades of blue, gold, and beige, precisely like the Bridgerton's common room.

I've been doing anything and everything that could use up all my spare energy these days. From having meetings with Macy, shopping for necessities, learning to cook new dishes, and even overhauling my wardrobe—I did it all.

There were several afternoons when I had gone to old bookstores to collect some books I’d been wanting to read when I was younger. Now that I wasn't required to show up to parties as Edmund's arm candy, I'd have all the time in the world to drown myself in those pages.

Unfortunately, there were still those fleeting moments when recollections from my stay at Grant's estate would keep popping back into my mind, causing my mood to drop dramatically.

But I never let it bog me.

So instead of moping, I’d go for a run to get a breath of fresh air and be familiar with the area. 

My house was situated atop a hill overlooking Pearl City. And to my dismay, I had no neighbors except for the old couple living in a bungalow at the foot of the hill.

Overall, my life as a divorcee turned out to be very peaceful and I love it.

By the third Friday, most of the renovations had been completed. I went out with Macy to look for more ornaments and furniture at a well-known antique shop. I was hoping to find vintage and one-of-a-kind items such as vases, jars, and brass-made decorations.

“Mrs Grant, the antique shop was supposed to display their new collection next week, but because you had specified what you wanted for your new home, they made an exception! They are eager to assist you today!” Macy chirped gleefully behind the wheel.

My lips twitched. I had already lost count of how many times I asked the woman to drop the honorifics and just call me by my name, but to no avail.

Given that the public still believed I was Edmund's legal wife, relinquishing the title all of a sudden was quite tricky. It still baffled me that he hadn’t revealed the truth of our divorce until now.

He must be planning ways to make it appear like our marriage ended on good terms.

“Macy, for the nth time, just call me by my name. You don’t have to be so formal. All right? Just think of this as friends going shopping together.”

The woman pulled over in front of an inconspicuous building. We were in a less busy part of Pearl City. Nonetheless, the lack of a bustling crowd did not diminish the area's rich atmosphere. Here, old structures stood untouched, preserved by their owners.

“C-Can I r-really do that?” Macy inquired, turning her head in my direction, her eyes gleaming with excitement as if she had just been offered a million-dollar contract.

Oh, she would be devastated if she learned I’m no longer married to the king of Grant Global.

“Of course. You must get used to it. I’ll be counting on you in the future, too.”

Macy crinkled her nose and pouted. “All right, Margaret... Nope, that’s too long...”

“Maggie. That’s my nickname.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re only being nice to me to get some discount. Anyway, let’s go, Maggie. We only have until six.”

Macy dragged me abruptly to the three-story building as if she had been waiting her entire life to get there. She eagerly introduced me to the middle-aged shop manager called Mr Radcliffe, who escorted us to a private room displaying several exquisite pieces of art.

After nearly two hours of browsing, I failed to pick between the brass and crystal chandeliers. And unsurprisingly, Macy had managed to convince me to get the two!

“The crystal piece would match quite well to the drawing room. It will add life to the elegant atmosphere you’ve been dying to integrate into that beige place. As for the brass, I can’t pick between your home office or the library…” Macy mumbled indecisively.

I shrugged and gestured to Mr Radcliffe and store employees that I would be getting both. I came here with one goal and that was to equip my new home with everything I have always dreamed of having when I was a little girl.

And I intend to go all out.

Even though each of the things that caught my eye came with a hefty price, I was not bothered.

Money was not an issue.

It never did—not before I married Edmund and especially not after.

I was self-made.

And only Raven knew the truth about my fortune.

It was, however, different for outsiders. I knew Macy and Mr Radcliffe were eagerly assisting me because they thought I was Edmund's wife. So, I'd just have to make the best of the circumstances.

I'm not planning on returning here anytime soon, anyway.

When the clock struck five, I had already exhausted myself going around. We were rather lucky to have found everything I needed. As I sat in the lounge area while waiting for Macy, who had gone to the restroom, my gaze was drawn to a crystal case that displayed a series of vintage lockets.

“Is there anything you’d like to check, Mrs Grant?” asked the lady behind the display, warmly smiling at me. Her gloved hands quickly moved, carefully placing the rectangular velvet box containing the accessories.

I grinned and pointed at the golden round locket with an embossed Tree of Life design. It stood out among the rest because of its exquisite detailing.

“You have a very good eye, Madam. This locket was found in one of the sunken luxury ships back in the early 1900s. It was a treasure trove, and this was one of the most wonderful pieces the hunters have traded,” the lady informed. She cautiously opened the locket, and I was surprised to see a golden ring that doubled as the photo frame. It was embellished with deep blue sapphires and diamonds.

“It’s beautiful,” I mumbled admiringly.

“Would you like to try it on?”

I laughed but did not decline when she gracefully took my hand and slipped the ring onto my finger. It fitted well.

“This locket and ring were made in England and was said to be part of a couple’s set. However, the male’s set was not found until today. Otherwise, they would have made it to an auction.”

I studied the ring and immediately fell in love with it. Though it was encrusted with gemstones, it remained tasteful. It didn’t scream wealth—only elegance and sophistication.

“I’m taking it,” said a sonorous voice before I could even speak.

My brow twitched when a woman in a red dress halted beside me. Her manicured nails tapped the crystal case a few times before pointing at the ring on my finger.

It was Lara Wyatt, the spoiled princess of the Wyatt Group. Her family owned the largest restaurant and food chain in the country and had close ties to Grant Global. Worse, she was the younger sister of Edmund’s best friend and one of the haughtiest ladies I had ever met in my entire life.

“Ms Wyatt, I’m sorry. But I got it first,” I remarked, raising my hand to make my point. I shifted my gaze back to the case and suggested, “Given that we have similar tastes in things. Why don’t I help you pick something else instead?”

She may not be likable, but I had to be civil. I’m not that unreasonable.

Lara chuckled contemptuously. She crossed her arms on her chest and shot me with a defiant look. “No, I am looking for a gift for my grandmother. This would be perfect.”

“Because it’s something I like, right?” I asserted.

In the past few years, Lara had been nothing but hostile. She treated me like dirt believing that I was nothing but a filthy gold digger. She, and her posse, have always found the best ways to humiliate me in public. Whenever we bumped into each other while shopping, she would snatch the items I had my eyes on.

And each time, I’d step back and cave.

I’m not a pushover. But because I wanted to avoid trouble for Edmund’s sake, I would smile and swallow my pride, giving those little bitches countless chances to trample over me.

But not this time—never again.

“Ma’am, I am sorry. But Mrs Grant came here first. We have a first come first served policy,” explained the saleslady politely. She slightly bowed her head to apologize.

But Lara refused to give in. “Do you know who you are talking to? I need to speak with your manager! I’m getting this locket by hook or by crook! How much is it, huh?”

The saleslady bit her bottom lip. I squeezed her hand and winked deviously.

It was difficult for me to deal with someone who had princess syndrome. How much more for a simple worker whose livelihood was hanging by a thread at the whim of a single person?

“This ring is valued at $8 million. You must have heard everything when this nice lady introduced it to me. Unfortunately, my mind is already set and I’m not going to give this up. How about we bid to it, Ms Wyatt?” I proposed leaning back on the couch.

“You talk too big for someone who knows nothing but spend money you did not even earn,” Lara mocked.

I clicked my tongue and shrugged. “Perks of being the missus. Isn’t that why you hated me at first glance?”

Lara squinted and settled on a single-seater couch. She managed to conceal her anger, but her fisted hands told me otherwise. A moment later, Macy and Mr Radcliffe came back.

“Mrs Grant, here’s the total amount of everything you’ve chosen today. We will deliver the items tomorrow to the address you have provided. Rest assured everything will be handled with care,” Mr Radcliffe informed, handing me a piece of paper.

It was a handwritten bill. And I was amused by how they do things so traditionally in this place.

“Thank you, Mr Radcliffe,” I said gratefully, not bothering to glance at the figures, and slipping it quickly into my purse.

“If you like this locket, the store will give it to you at half the price to express our gratitude for your generous purchases today,” Mr Radcliffe stated with a grin. He then turned to Lara’s direction and said, “My apologies Ms Wyatt. As our employee said, our shop operates on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Mrs Grant has been here for nearly six hours. It is only fair that we accommodate her first.”

Lara’s face contorted into a scowl and reddened in embarrassment. I had to purse my lips to suppress a laugh. But as expected the woman was as relentless.

“Are you looking down on me now, Mr Radcliffe? My grandmother has been a patron of yours for decades. You can’t do this to me!”

Mr Radcliffe smiled courteously. “Indeed, your grandmother and I are good friends. She’s a big supporter of my business and always respected how I ran it. If you have items you would like to find, please inform us beforehand so we can schedule and accommodate you accordingly.”

Lara huffed and glared at me before storming out, banging the door shut. She did not even apologize for creating drama. Fortunately, Mr Radcliffe was cordial enough to explain things albeit quite sarcastically.

“I’m sorry about that, Mr Radcliffe. I will take the locket at full price...” I stated in finality.

I’m not going to rob the nice lady’s commission after what Lara had put her through. That little witch would get it from me one of these days.