Still, I understood that a man should focus on his career and not on his relationship. In the end, the double date became the occasion where I was the biggest third wheel in the world.We visited every shop lot on the commercial street, hoping that we would find something impressive to buy for Julia.It was Queenie's first shopping trip in Jinovy. We were all very excited. When I saw how giddy she was when she looked at those beautiful dresses, I was convinced that she had finally moved on from Flynn. I was so happy for her.She found a good, high-paying job too. She worked very hard and knew how to do her job well. She had interpreted for several huge conferences and was commended by her superior. As a result, she received a lot of bonuses. One would say that she had become a successful businesswoman.As for me, thanks to Professor King, I had earned a lot of money too. I was now financially independent. And like all women, when I had money, I wanted to spend it all on shopping.
I put the statuette in my palm and admired it. It looked better in my hands than on the rack. And since I loved it so much, I was going to buy them for 5,000 dollars.Right when I took out my wallet to pay, Andrew stopped me. He haggled with the staff member seriously, and they finally settled for a price of 700 dollars.I was shocked. Was this how people haggled? Didn't she boast that it was made with the finest material and that it had great artistic value? Without Andrew, I would've shelled out the money like an idiot. Lucky me because I just saved 4,300 dollars!The heir of the Lambert family sure was a smart businessman. He knew how to save money too! I was so happy that I gave a thumbs-up. Queenie, who had always acted indifferent toward him, also peered at him appreciatively. Andrew was so elated by the attention he received.When the staff member packed the statuette and gave it to me, they lamented that they had never sold it at such a low price. They said that they had me
"Oh, look, Jasmine. Colin gave me this bracelet when I was at Lincoln University. I cherish it a lot since it was given by someone I love. I've never taken it off. I don't think I'll wear another bracelet no matter how pretty."Jasmine tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and glanced at my bracelet. Then, she uttered gently, "I know, but you don't find a bracelet you like every day. As women, we should rely on ourselves. We can't ask our boyfriends to pay for everything."If you're not financially independent, you'll be extra vulnerable even when you're married."I gritted my teeth, wishing so badly that I could sink my teeth into her. She was implying that I was poor and that I was leeching off Colin's wealth. I was infuriated. But I wasn't going to let my anger take the bait. I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction.When she provoked me, I had to keep my cool. If I lost my cool, I would be giving her what she wanted. So no, I would not give her what she wanted. I'd make her f
Colin and I chatted for a while before ending the conversation reluctantly.Within those three minutes, Jasmine showed expressions of mortification and anger. More and more malice accumulated in her eyes. When we bade farewell, her bodyguards appeared silently again and leaned forward to talk to her. Their gaze kept returning to the bracelet.Too lazy to deal with them, I left the luxury shop. When we arrived at the entrance, Queenie let out the laughter she had been stifling. She gave me a thumbs-up and said that Colin sure doted on me a lot. He and I had become a couple who could read each other's minds.She also complimented me on my expertise in dealing with a hypocrite. According to her, I had learned how to manage the situation better after having been "trained" by Jasmine.As we walked, I felt that someone was staring at me intensely. I turned around and saw that Jasmine was glaring at me. The hatred in her eyes almost manifested as blades, ready to pierce my body. I ignored
I was surprised to hear that from Andrew, who majored in finance. I often relied on others for everything. If I said I wanted to have my own art studio, Colin would be the one establishing it. I'd just join once it was done.But upon hearing Andrew's rally, I was enticed. He truly had what it took to be the family's future scion—he could be very convincing. And I was very convinced. Perhaps deep down, I had always wanted to achieve something on my own.Colin was capable enough to give me a comfortable life where I could pursue what I wanted to do without a care. But presently, I was his girlfriend. And in the future, I would be his wife. I wanted to fight with him instead of being the pampered princess."An art studio doesn't appear magically. I need a place to paint. The mural is only half-finished. I need a conducive environment."Queenie tossed the fish filet that Andrew had given her earlier back onto his plate. Then, she sanitized her cutlery with a tissue paper before grabbin
"Then just bear with it for a while. You like Crystal House, don't you? If you buy a house now, you have to renovate it, furnish it, and air it. That takes a long time. You can't stop painting for a year, can you? And I like that we're living together. Living alone is so boring."I'd love that too. But the issue was Colin."What do you mean you're living alone? You have me. I'll always keep you company. I won't abandon you." Andrew seized the opportunity and confessed his love. His frizzy hair pressed against Queenie's shoulder like a cat asking for pets.I was vexed. Look at the confession and the blatant public display of affection. How was I supposed to eat like this?Queenie rolled her eyes and sneered, "If men can be trusted, pigs will fly."I laughed out loud. What was that? Also, did I hear it correctly? Why did it sound like she was complaining about Andrew's sudden disappearance?I thought Andrew would start defending himself passionately and apologize sincerely about hi
"Oh, Colin, are you almost done with your project? You're back so early today."Colin grinned at me and said, "Well, I want to…"As he spoke, he put his hands into the pockets of his jacket. Suddenly, his smile froze and he left the sentence hanging."What's the matter, Colin?" I asked, confused. I wondered when he became this cryptic.Colin stiffened and proceeded to brush the back of his fingers against my cheeks. "Nothing. Just eat."After he joined us, the dinner became less lively than before. I could now focus on my food. Dad often told me to never speak with my mouth full. It would affect digestion, apparently.Queenie was my good friend and knew her boundaries. The only interaction she had with Colin was a polite greeting. And Andrew was a student. While he wasn't an art student, he was respectful toward every lecturer from the university.So when Colin was home, we'd stop joking around. We only communicated with each other with our eyes. Colin was very tired so after di
Gosh. He kissed my feet.His lips were not going to touch my lips now that they had touched my feet. I would say no to him when he kissed me next time. He didn't mind the hygiene, but I did!"I have things to handle now, so head to the school later. If you need me, call me. If you miss me, text me. I'll reply to you. I'll try to finish everything before noon so that we can hang out in the afternoon."After I heard the soft thud of him closing the door, the make-believe understanding look on my face vanished. There went my date. If he kept doing it, I wouldn't be able to stand it anymore!I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. I was dejected. For once, he came back early. But the next day, he left very early too. We hardly even talked. What kind of relationship was this? While he promised he'd try to finish everything before noon, the key word here was "try".Knowing him, he would be busy until night.Like an abandoned pet, I woke up alone and took a shower. Then, I spaced