Chapter 014
Alina chuckled slightly as she watch the look on Jennifer’s face. Of course Jennifer wasn’t expecting it… Satisfied, she turned back to Aiden, grabbed his hand, and held it tightly.
“Let’s go,” she said, walking off without looking back.
Aiden glanced at their joined hands but stayed quiet. He kept pace with her as they walked into the boutique.
As soon as the glass doors closed behind them, Alina let go of his hand.
“Sorry about that,” she mumbled, avoiding his eyes.
Aiden looked at his now-empty hand, then slowly looked at her. “Can you tell me what that was about…?”
“Didn’t you come here to get something?” she interrupted, brushing invisible dust off her sleeve. “Let’s get it over with and go
home.”
Without waiting for him to answer, she turned and walked further into the store.
Aiden’s brows twitched slightly, but he remained silent. He followed after her, hands in his pockets.
The store was quiet, and filled with racks of designer clothes. Aiden walked past her, heading toward one of the women’s sections.
Then, without a word, he began picking dresses.
Alina turned to see him holding up a sleek red gown, checking its label. He then held the dress out toward her briefly, then passed
it to a waiting assistant.
“Wait… are you shopping for me?” she asked. He didn’t answer, so she walked over and pulled him aside.
“Don’t you think these clothes are too expensive?” she asked.
He didn’t respond and just kept picking more items. She followed him.
“I mean… instead of spending money like this, maybe you should invest it?”
Again, he said nothing. Alina sighed and put her hands on her hips. “Aiden…”
He picked up a long silver dress and held it against her from a distance. Then he spoke.
“My grandma’s birthday is next week,” he said calmly. “You’re the fiancée. You need to look like it.”
Alina stared at him, surprised, but Aiden had already moved on to the shoe section.
She watch as he handed the shopping bags to Jesse. Just as she was about to follow him, something in the display caught her eye-
a wristwatch. It was sleek, simple, and clearly expensive.
She glanced at Aiden, then at the bags. Quietly, she walked over to the counter.
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Chapter VIN
The cashier looked up. “Would you like to see this for your husband, ma’am?”
Alina frowned a little. “Husband? …Well, I’ll take it,” she said, handing over her card.
Once the payment was done, she placed the small box into her purse and calmly walked out of the store.
“Where is she?” Aiden asked once he was outside.
“Maybe she’s still in-oh,” Jesse said, stopping when he saw her.
Alina walked up to them, gave Jesse a small smile, and got into the car.
Aiden got in beside her without a word.
Jesse shut the door, started the engine, and the car pulled away from the boutique.
****
+25 BONUS
By the time they reached Aiden’s mansion, it was already evening. As they stepped into the sitting room, Alina stopped in surprise.
On the long glass table were dozens of boxes; sparkling accessories like necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. All of them looked
expensive, the kind that made you stop and stare.
Aiden paused at the doorway, frowning slightly. “What’s all this?”
Just then, the butler stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “They arrived earlier today, sir. From Mrs. Blackwood. For your
fiancée.”
Aiden raised an eyebrow and turned slowly to look at Alina.
“Fiancée?” Alina repeated, wide-eyed. “Wait… all of this is for me?”
The butler nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Alina stepped forward slowly, her fingers brushing over one of the open boxes. A sleek diamond necklace glittered back at her.
“Wow…” she whispered, eyes wide.
Aiden stayed still, watching her. His gaze drifted to the way her lips curled into a surprised smile.
Alina turned to him. “These are too much, but…” she picked up a pair of emerald earrings and held them against her ears. “I’ll take
these. They’ll match my dress for the party.”
She looked at the butler. “You can return the rest. I’m not used to accepting gifts, especially not ones like this.”
Before the butler could respond, Aiden spoke.
“Jesse, pack everything for her. ‘
Alina’s head snapped around. “Wait-”
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Chapter U14
Jesse was already moving, efficiently gathering the boxes.
“But-”
“You’re the fiancée,” Aiden said without turning. “Which means it’s all yours.”
Then, without another glance, he started up the stairs, leaving her behind.
“Wait…” she called after him, but he didn’t respond.
She stood there, watching his back as he disappeared up the stairs without looking back.
“This way, Miss,” Jesse said from the doorway, already holding everything they’d bought.
25 BONUS
Alina sighed and followed him out. They got into the car again, the engine purring as the driver pulled away from the mansion.
***
The birthday party was lively, full of rich guests, luxury decorations, and waiters moving around with drinks. Alina walked into
the grand hall, wearing a beautiful gown Aiden had bought her. She looked stunning, and she knew it. Even though she wasn’t
used to such fancy places, she walked in with confidence.
Her soft emerald green dress sparkled under the lights, fitting her perfectly and flowing gracefully with every step. As she moved
through the crowd, people began whispering and turning to look at her.
Then Jennifer entered.
She wasn’t invited, but came along thanks to Kelvin’s influence. She clung to his arm like a trophy, eyes scanning the room like
she was hunting.
That’s when she spotted Alina walking toward Mandy Blackwood.
Jennifer narrowed her eyes and smirked.
“Oh, you think you’re somebody now?” she muttered, grabbing a glass of red wine from a passing waiter.
Still smiling to herself, she let go of Kelvin, who hadn’t noticed Alina yet, and made her way toward her.
Alina was smiling, unaware of Jennifer’s approach. She was focused on Mandy. It was supposed to be her last day with Aiden, so
she wanted to be polite one last time.
Before she could reach Mandy, Jennifer suddenly stepped in front of her.
Pretending to stumble, Jennifer tilted the wine glass. The deep red liquid spilled, soaking Alina’s dress, leaving a dark stain.
Alina gasped and stepped back in shock, staring at the ruined dress.
Jennifer held the empty glass and made a show of fake concern. “Oh no, Lina, I swear it was an accident,” she said sweetly. “You
know how clumsy I am.”
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Chapter 014
Alina looked at her in disbelief. Jennifer stood there with wide, innocent eyes, still holding the empty glass.
Alina looked down at the dress again, swallowing the lump in her throat.
“What’s she doing?” Mandy frowned, stepping forward. But then she stopped, frozen by what came next.
Alina reached out, grabbed a glass from a nearby waiter’s tray and splashed wine back onto Jennifer.
Jennifer shrieked, stunned.
“Oh, no! Jennie, I’m so sorry.” Alina said with a feigned gasp. “You know how clumsy I can be, right?” she added.
The hall fell silent.
Mandy blinked in surprise, and then a slow, satisfied grin spread across her face.
“I think I’m going to like this sister-in-law,” she murmured under her breath, watching the scene unfold.
Jennifer, now shaking with rage, reached out to slap Alina, but before she could, a firm hand caught her wrist midair.
Everyone turned.
Mandy Blackwood.
“Touch my sister-in-law,” Mandy said coldly, tightening her grip, “and watch your life fall apart.”
She shoved Jennifer’s hand away so hard that Jennifer stumbled backward.
Alina stood frozen in shock, eyes on Mandy.
Aside from Lorraine, no one had ever defended her like that. And somehow, it made her want to cry.
+25 BONUS
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