Chapter 26 At The Mall
KIA
I find myself here once more, gazing aimlessly at the ceiling. What my father had shared with me the night before was running through my head nonstop. Who would even help with the problem that our company? My father stated that it was a friend of mine, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it was someone very influential and wealthy. I don't have any friends who are wealthy. Who could it possibly be?
I had just stopped to think about all of those things when all of a sudden, my phone started vibrating.
It's a text from Miaree. Today, she wants to take me shopping at her favorite store. She has a remarkable knack for picking the right moment to act. I need to let her know that our company's crisis is already over. I went right back to the house and took a bath to get ready.
The SM Mall of Asia
Something strange is going on with you, Kia. You look in a nice mood today." Miaree remarked in complete innocence as she continued to stare at me.
Even though I didn't tell her that I was so glad right now, I know that she already knew that something nice happened to me. "Guess what, the predicament that our organization was in has been resolved! Oh, and just so you know, my father stated that it was due to the assistance of my close friend. However, I do not have any friends who will be able to assist me in dealing with a situation of such nature. I mean, I don't have any friends who are wealthy... Would it possibly be you? Did you ask your uncle to help?"
"No, I haven't even said it yet."
Who else could it be if it's not your uncle?
When she quickly shook my head, it immediately brought me to a halt in the deep thought I had been having. "You have to quit dwelling on it. Your head is about to burst into flames! Why don't you just give thanks and rejoice in the fact that none of your issues are affecting you anymore? Even though you have already wed someone you don't even know, your father will not make you marry another stranger no matter what. Anyway, now that it's all with, how about we go shopping since it's finished? You went out and bought some school supplies yesterday. Therefore, today is the day that we shall spend our money on everything that we want."
Following her statement, she reached out and grabbed my hand. She walked me into a high-end store. After all of this purchasing, it appears that I will end up with a balance of zero in my savings...
“Welcome!”
Right now, we are investigating a variety of different items of jewelry. Even though there was gold everywhere, the thing that drew my eye were a few of bracelets set with rubies. It is extremely stunning to look at, and I believe it complements the tone of my skin quite nicely.
"Hello, miss, would you like to see how that looks on you?" He presented it to me and allowed me to wear it, "it was the Ruby Bracelet of Love. Ruby, the gemstone with the darkest shade of crimson, is known as the "King of Gems" and is symbolic of love and ardor. Ruby is the gemstone with the deepest color. Due to the fact that its natural hue is blood, it is a symbol of bravery and valor."
This is a sign of love and passion? Interesting!
I exclaimed with self-assurance, "Well, in that case, I'll take it."
"Alright, I'll get it ready for you, Miss," the attendant replied.
Oh, I completely neglected to inquire about the cost of the item. However, given that it is only a bracelet, I really doubt that it will cost that much.
"Please take a look at this receipt, Miss. Your grand total is 1 038.6 US dollars."
What?! 1,038.86 USD?! That is my income for the next two months right there! I have never spent more than $500 on something that was all for me! Should I really go ahead and purchase all of this pricey jewelry? While I was staring at the receipt, my hand started to shake.
But how could I possibly refuse? Because he is so kind to me, I feel as though I owe it to him to be kind to him as well...
"Can I pay with a credit card?" I inquired about purchasing the pricey couple's jewelry and then paid for it.
"Are you sure you purchased it? You are insane, Kianna. Those bracelets are quite expensive. You are going to have to sleep outside for the next month!" Miaree seems very frightened.
“Don’t worry. There is still money in my savings account."
* Buzz * Buzz * Buzz *
Miaree gives me a dubious glance before saying, "It seems as though someone is missing you!"
"What exactly are you referring to? …Mhm! Hold on just a second. Just give me a moment to respond to what he sent me!"
Ten minutes had gone by and I was still talking to Ares.
"Kianna, is it really that serious that you turned around? What was his response?" Miaree asked.
“Um… He has promised to come over and assist us in carrying stuff, and—"
"Oh, my God! He cannot hide the fact that he is head over heels in love with you! Ask him to drop by, will you? Come on! Make sure to invite him over! I needed to meet him in person!"
“Alright! Alright! Chill! He just mentioned that he is going to show up here..."
AT THE PARKING LOT
Ares has just reached the mall where Kia is. As soon as he stepped out of the car, he was able to make out people's hushed conversations.
I don't want to give off the impression that I'm arrogant, but I'm well aware that they were referring to me. He repeated the thought to himself with pride.
"Oh, my God! Did you see him?"
"Yes, girl, I am looking!"
"That gentleman has such a dashing appearance!"
"Isn't he a celebrity? He could easily pass for a Korean actor! Oppa!”
Ares pulled out his phone and sent a message to Kia, letting her know where he was. While Ares was still looking for them and wondering around, Kianna and Miaree were browsing through the clothing in a store while he was doing so. Miaree was startled to see a handsome man heading toward them just as she turned around to check what was going on after hearing some screams and having her attention quickly drawn to that voice.
“Kianna! Look! There is a heavenly being! He is moving in our direction now! Perhaps he is going to make a move on us! Oh my God! He is on his way!" Miaree yelled in an uncontrollable manner.
Ares sprinted up behind Kia, grabbed her waist, and pulled her closer to him while saying, "Hi, hon."
“Mhm? Oh! You have made it!"
A sudden stiffening of her posture can be seen. She couldn't believe what she was seeing right now.
“Y-you—” Miaree stated in a weak and trembling voice.
Ares looked over at Miaree almost instantly when she pointed her finger in his direction.
"Ares, this is Miaree, my best buddy from high school. You already had telephone conversations with him, right?" Kianna made an effort to put them both on the same page by making her statement.
"Hello, glad to meet you. I am Kianna's husband. My name is Ares France Vuertalejo." Ares's visage morphed into a blank expression, and his voice changed into a raspy one.
Right away, Kianna gave him some cheek pinches and asked, "What the heck is wrong with you? Stop being such a jerk! Miaree is going to get afraid!"
During the intimate moment that was being shared by Kianna and Ares. Miaree was having trouble putting all that she was seeing into context.
"It turns out that Kianna's hubby is a very good-looking individual! My first impression of Kianna's spouse, based on what she told me about him, was that he was simply your average office worker. I would never have guessed that it would turn out to be such a handsome dude!" Miaree spoke in a murmur.
"Are you saying something, Miaree?"
"I can't believe you lied to me and told me that he is just a regular guy! How is it possible for such an average-looking guy to look like that?"
“Well…” Kianna takes a glimpse at Ares, "When I first met him, I didn't think he was all that gorgeous, so..."
“Really? You didn't think that I'm not as handsome as I am, did you?" Ares made a sulky face and appeared as if he was extremely disheartened by what he heard from his wife. Ares was comforted by Kianna right away, which caused Miaree to stare at the two of them like she was watching a Korean drama.
