Could You Wrap It Up For Me

Evelyn entered the boutique.

Her eyes immediately began scanning the men's section.

She moved with a quiet, deliberate focus.

The sales assistant noticed her right away.

She offered a warm, professional smile. "Shopping for a special occasion, ma'am?"

Evelyn nodded slightly. "I'm looking for a gift for my husband."

"Excellent. Let me show you our latest arrivals. It might help you decide." The assistant gestured for Evelyn to follow.

Though Evelyn's clothes weren't overtly luxurious, her bearing was unmistakable.

She carried an innate grace. Her beauty was striking, impossible to ignore.

The assistant remained impeccably courteous.

She pulled out several stylish options, presenting them carefully.

Evelyn considered each piece.

Her thoughts drifted to Alexander's closet. It was a sea of monotonous, dark suits.

If she was buying him something, it should introduce some change.

But she was practical. Nothing too flashy.

After a moment, her gaze settled on a deep burgundy ensemble.

"This one," she said decisively. "The size seems correct. Please wrap it for me."

"Right away, ma'am." The assistant's smile widened.

She was impressed by Evelyn's impeccable taste.

A flicker of envy passed through her. Evelyn's husband was a fortunate man.

Unaware of these thoughts, Evelyn moved to the counter to complete the purchase.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the quiet of the store.

"Evelyn? Is that you? What an incredible coincidence!"

Evelyn turned. The light in her eyes instantly cooled.

Standing at the entrance were Isabella and Julian.

Two people she had hoped never to see again.

This was not a happy accident.

Isabella had the nerve to smile brightly, as if nothing was wrong.

Evelyn was not having it.

She let out a sharp, dismissive laugh. Her gaze was icy. "A coincidence? More like a curse. My day was perfectly fine until you appeared. Consider my shopping trip ruined."

She picked up her bag, ready to leave. They weren't worth another second.

But Isabella stepped forward, blocking her path.

This wasn't going as Isabella had imagined. She expected a broken, pitiful Evelyn.

She wanted to flaunt her victory with Julian by her side.

Instead, Evelyn radiated nothing but pure contempt.

"Evelyn, please. Are you still upset?" Isabella's voice was sickly sweet. She moved closer. "We were friends for so long. Since we've met, let's have lunch. Catch up properly. The three of us."

She reached out, pretending to take Evelyn's arm.

"Stop." Evelyn sidestepped sharply, holding up a hand. "Don't touch me. I'm not playing your games. The sound of your voice alone makes me sick."