Ago

In the store, Annie had the salesperson bag up the clothes, not bothering to argue with Yolanda. She figured a little back–and–forth wouldn’t hurt, but it was clear that Yolanda had taken a big hit. Suddenly, Annie found things veered off course. “Hold on, I didn’t pick this item.”

The manager inquired calmly, “You Ms. Annie Sanders?”

“Yeah.” Annie nodded.

“Then there’s nothing wrong,” the manager concluded. And soon after, the second piece, the third piece, the fourth… Clothes continued piling up in front of Annic.

The onlookers watched in astonishment.

“How much is she grabbing?”

“All these clothes… What’s it in total?”

“Man, not even the nouveau riche go all out like this, do they?”

Yolanda, who previously feigned indifference, now felt unsettled. “Annie, seriously, you’re pushing f! I ain’t footing the bill for all this! Concerned about losing face and the prospect of jail time, she had managed to cough up the initial fee. However, with the mounting clothes, even pawning herself off wouldn’t cut it.

Annie was momentarily stunned. Once she gathered herself, she turned to the manager, questioning, “What’s the deal here exactly?”

The manager replied respectfully, “Ms. Annie Sanders, no worries. A gentleman has covered the tab for these clothes on your behalf. Kindly provide your address. Once we’ve boxed everything up, we’ll deliver the goodies straight to your doorstep.”

“What?” Yolanda and Selena’s faces froze in an instant. ‘Every single piece bought? That’s a huge

amount!‘

The crowd of onlookers was left in shock by the sudden turn of the unfolding drama.

“He bought everything? That’s quite the move!”

“This is just too extravagant! If a guy did this for me, I’d marry him on the spot!”

“Jealousy is tearing me apart. Why are all the good men taken?”

Mira couldn’t help but ask curiously, ‘Annie, who is it? One of your admirers?”

Annie herself was taken aback. “If I said I don’t know, would you believe me?”

Mira fell into silence.

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Annie turned to the manager. “What’s his name?”

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The manager replied politely, “Sorry, but the gentleman didn’t intend to reveal his identity. He said. that if you have any other itens you like, just take it and he’ll cover the cost.”

Yolanda seethed with anger, her features contorting She had meant to jest with Mira for fun, but now she found herself at the receiving end of the jest. She stamped her foot and gritted her teeth. “Selena, let’s go!”

Annie had already found a well–decorated, well–lit, and conveniently located apartment, waiting for Mira’s arrival. They now stood at the entrance.

Mira swung open the door, her face filled with wonder. “Oh my, this place is gorgeous!”

Annie beamed. “You like it? I set everything up myself. From now on, you and I will be roommates here, just like the good old days.”

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Mira turned to her, her smile fading slightly. “Annie, you really shouldn’t have gone to so trouble. I came to visit you, and I’ll be heading back in a few days.”

Annie guided her to the sofa gently. “Mira, hear me out. I want to start a jewelry studio, and I’m hoping you’ll join me. Will you?”

Jewelry design had always been Annie’s dream in her previous life. However, she had to forsake it for Jeremy before, immersing herself in the power plays of the affluent family. While she dabbled in it when she could, her designs never made it into the limelight, paving the way for Xenia to plagiarize them later on. Now, she longed to live life on her terms.

“But I… I’m clueless about it all.” Mira felt troubled. She wanted to assist, but she felt overwhelmed.

Annie reassured her, “You can pick it up as we go, and I will guide you. I simply need someone who’ll stand by me through thick and thin.”

“1. Mira hesitated.

“Mira, you saw how Yolanda treated me at the mall today. Though I am a Sanders now, they don’t regard me as one of them. Besides you, I can’t think of anyone else to have my back.” Annie cast her eyes downward, her voice laden with disappointment, as if the world had turned its back on her.

Mira sighed and ruffled her hair. “Fine, I’m in. You always pull this card, humph.”

Annie showed a wide smile. “Because you never say no, Mira.”

“You… Mira shook her head, gazing at Annie helplessly.

With her little ploy succeeding, Annie’s smile beamed even brighter. It had been ages since she felt as elated as she did today. She had planned to stay and keep Mira company in the evening, but upon learning that John had invited Jeremy to dinner, she changed her mind.

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Jess face pale. But she was unable to match jessicas audacity, so she snorted and settled across

from them.

Sporting Annie by the door, John called out, “Ammies here? Join us for dinner

All gares turned towards Annie.

As Annie met Jeremy’s eyes, her lips curved into a smile, and he reciprocated with a smile of his

Their exchange unfolded out of Jessica’s sight. Yet, Yolanda, seated next to Jereury, observed everything. Her heart raced. Didn’t Jeremy harbor a strong distaste for Annie? How could be smile at her! It couldn’t be real. I must have misread the situation.

“Mr. Chandler, try this. It’s our chef’s specialty, exclusive to our home,” Yolanda prompted, serving Jeremy attentively and chatting with him as if they were the sole occupants at the table.

Jessica’s eyes fixed on Yolanda, her expression dripping with disdain. It took all her strength to maintain her composure.

Annie shot an indifferent glance at Jeremy, who appeared unfazed while the cousins vying for his

attention.

Suddenly, Jeremy addressed her, “Why isn’t Ms. Annie Sanders eating?”