Chapter 35: The boss’s wife
Audrey shook her head in disbelief. "That man is beyond toxic. He needs a good slap. I swear, if he ever shows up in front of me again, I will hit him." She clasped her friend’s shoulders, her gaze softening. "Anne, you have to get out of there."
Anne’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I know." She just needed to figure out how.
She sighed, pushing Denis out of her mind, "Leave it, Audrey. He is not worth our time." She looped her arm through Audrey’s, steering her toward the entrance. "Let’s go in. I need your help picking out a gift for my husband."
Audrey stopped mid-step and turned to her with a sly smirk, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Oh? A gift for your newly wedded husband?" She dragged out the words teasingly.
Anne’s cheeks turned warm at the playful jab, and she bit the corner of her lower lip. "I just... I don’t know what he likes. But I thought about getting him a shirt."
She recalled a sea of white shirts, with only two or three grey ones breaking the monotony in his wardrobe. She wanted to see him in something different that would enhance his strong, refined presence. Maybe a dark blue or black that would complement him perfectly.
Audrey’s eyes lit up. "I know the best apparel store in this mall," she said enthusiastically. "Come with me."
She grabbed Anne’s hand and pulled her inside, her excitement infectious. Anne let herself be dragged along, her heart lightening.
Anne’s initial excitement quickly overcame unease as Audrey led her into a high-end boutique. The gleaming glass doors swung open, revealing racks of designer clothing and shelves lined with luxury accessories. The warm scent of expensive perfume filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of classical music playing in the background.
"Wait," Anne tugged at Audrey’s arm. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she glanced around at the elegant displays. "I can’t afford anything in here. Let’s go somewhere else."
Audrey waved a hand dismissively, flashing a confident smile. "Don’t worry, Anne. I have a membership here, so we’ll get a discount. And besides, I have more than enough to cover a shirt for now—you can pay me back little by little."