Vivienne's POV:
Having money really does make everything different. If my card hadn't been frozen earlier, maybe I could've acted cool like this too. I gently asked the store manager, "How much is the total?"
Before he could answer, Gideon seemed impatient already. He stood up and walked toward us:"Still not done?"
"All done," I replied, then told the manager,"I get off work at six. You can deliver these around seven."
"Yes, miss."
On the way to the company, sitting in the back seat, I still tried to save face:
"I really do have money. Even if you didn't pay for me, I could've paid myself. We just started dating and you've already spent so much, it makes it seem like I'm using you. It really hurts my dignity."
"Really?" Gideon glanced at me."Then for the sake of your dignity, transfer me the clothing money later."
"…All of it? But I only chose one set. The other ones you shoved at me yourself, I don't even like some of them. At most, I'll pay for the one I'm wearing. Return the others."
"So you can't pay. Then forget it."He sat up straight, closed his eyes. "Even if you're using me, it's fine. You're my girlfriend now. I can afford to support you."
"I'm really not using you!" I wanted to throw money at him, but sadly, I truly was broke right now. Fine, let him think what he wanted. As long as he agreed to date me, I'd eventually have him firmly in my grasp.
But based on his tone, he clearly didn't believe I'd liked him secretly before. If I were after money, I would've gone home after graduation instead of struggling here trying to win him over.
If he thinks I'm money-grubbing and still chooses to stay with me, what does he want from me? My looks?How vulgar.What a vulgar man!
I didn't bother with him anymore. I turned toward the car door, folded my arms, and shut my eyes.
Gideon slowly opened his eyes again, quietly admiring my profile. A streak of morning sunlight brushed across my skin, smooth and pale like a freshly peeled egg. With my eyes closed, I looked serene and soft. The pastel-pink outfit only made me seem more delicate and enchanting.
He clearly realized I suited bright colors. At the banquet a month ago, when I appeared in a red dress holding a wine glass, I had caught his eye just the same.
As he studied me now, something felt missing. His eyes drifted toward my collarbone, bare, without jewelry.
If I wore a necklace, it would be perfect.A perfect vase.Beautiful just to look at.
Shopping hadn't taken long. When the car entered Nova Haven's underground parking, it was still early. Gideon asked if I wanted to follow him to the CEO's office first, I agreed immediately. I wanted to build more time with him, of course.
We took the private elevator to the 56th floor. At this hour, the office was empty. Gideon used his fingerprint to unlock the CEO's office; I followed him in.
The space was large, in black-white-gray tones, cold and emotionless exactly like him. His aesthetic was uncannily similar to my brother Cassian's.
As I wandered around, Gideon said:"The driver went to get breakfast. Make yourself comfortable. I have work."
I sat on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, playing the obedient girlfriend:"Don't worry. I won't disturb you."
He opened his laptop, put on headphones, and started working.
With nothing to do, I leaned my elbow on the armrest and watched his sharp profile. I had to admit — the man I invested so much effort choosing was extremely handsome, especially when he worked.
Soon, the driver returned with sandwiches and coffee. I ate while daydreaming: once Gideon fell deeply in love with me, once we got married, bringing such a man home would make my family proud and me too.
In the middle of my beautiful delusion, my phone buzzed. I finished the last bite, wiped my hands, and checked my phone.
It was Cassian.
Big brother:[Calista said you agreed to come home. What time is your flight? I'll pick you up.]
Oh no, I'd told Calista last night that I was going home. Back then I didn't think I could catch Gideon. But now we'd made progress, how could I leave?
Feeling guilty, I typed:[Something came up. I'll stay a few more days.]
Thinking it over, I added:[Big brother, I promise I'll come home. But could you unlock my card first? I'm running out of money for food. You only have one little sister. You wouldn't let me starve, right? (good girl).jpg]
Big brother:[Come home first, then we'll talk.]
Me:[I really have urgent work.]
Big brother:[I'll personally fly to Silverpoint City in a few days to see what trick you're pulling.]
My hands trembled, he was coming to drag me home?!
Gideon must've sensed something; he looked over:"Why do you look guilty?"
"I don't," I said immediately. Taking a sip of coffee, I added,"I ate too fast earlier and choked."
He didn't comment further, returning to his work.
I finished my coffee, played on my phone for a bit, and grew bored. With thirty minutes left before work hours, I decided to return to my department first.
I picked up my bag:"I'm going downstairs."
Seeing he was still busy and hadn't touched breakfast, I gently reminded:"Remember to eat. I'll feel heartbroken if you go hungry."
Her concern, real or fake must've thrown him off a little. He replied with a faint, confused "Mm."
I opened the door and saw staff already arriving at the outer office. Hearing movement, one of them glanced over our eyes met. I turned to Gideon and joked:
"Your secretary staff arrive early. Looks like you exploit them a lot."
He thought I was worried about gossip:"Go on. They won't talk nonsense."
I shrugged like it didn't matter. About to leave, I glanced back. He was already bent over his laptop again.
I couldn't help thinking:
Our very first official dating day aside from taking me shopping, did he really treat me like a girlfriend?
I'd stayed in his office this long and didn't see a single pink bubble.
Was he… being too cold?