His words silenced me. I nodded reluctantly, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Before I could process my thoughts, I heard a familiar, mocking voice behind me.
"Isn't that Medley?"
I froze. Of all people, it had to be her. I turned slightly, and there they were, Rosana, Louis's younger sister, and Cassie, my best friend who made out with Louis right in front of me last night.
"What were they doing here?" I asked myself. I knew their presence here would cause me a lot of humiliation and I can't get Mike to take me out of this place. I just sighed as I listened to their mockery.
"Of course, it's her," Cassie said with a wicked laugh. "You should've seen her last night. She was bright red, crying her heart out while Louis and I..."
"Don't!" I hissed, unable to stop myself from speaking. Mike looked at me from where he stood and I shut my eyes in embarrassment
Cassie ignored me, smirking. "Oh, it was priceless. Watching her break like that? Best night of my life. Your brother was so good in bed, you need to hear me screaming his name."
Rosana chuckled. "Honestly, Medley, what are you even doing here? Zee Clothing isn't exactly for people like you. Did you come here to beg?"
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.
"Or maybe," Cassie added with a sneer, "she's looking for a job. I bet she's here to mop the floors or something."
The conversation was interrupted by a salesperson, who brought out an array of stunning dresses, each one more beautiful, and more expensive than the last.
Mike examined them briefly before nodding. "Take her to the dressing room," he instructed.
My heart raced. "Wait," I said, turning to him. "I… I really can't afford these."
"Mr. Wade's orders," Mike said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Cassie gasped audibly, drawing attention to herself. "Wait a minute," she said, her voice dripping with disbelief. "Are you hooking up with rich men now, Medley? Is that why you're here?"
"Looks like it," Rosana chimed in, crossing her arms. "I mean, how else could you afford limited editions? I, have never gotten limited clothes for myself nor has anyone gotten me one." Rosana said rolling her eyes
Cassie's face twisted with jealousy. "This can't be real. You? In designer dresses? What, did you sell your soul?"
"Madam," the salesperson interrupted politely, "we kindly ask you to leave the store."
"What?" Cassie snapped, her voice rising. "You're asking me to leave while she stays? That peasant girl? Do you have any idea who I am?" she asked raising her voice
"Madam, please," the salesperson said calmly. "Watch your words."
"Watch my words?" Cassie scoffed, stepping closer. "Or what? I'll have you know, if you throw me out, I'll make sure everyone hears about how you treat customers!, and I bet you can't afford to lose your job because of that wretched girl." Cassie scorned
The man didn't flinch. "You've been asked to leave because we have an esteemed customer, which the company can't afford to offend, and he has requested privacy. Do you have a problem with that?"
Cassie's face turned red as she glanced around, her eyes falling on Mike who just stood and said nothing. Rosana tugged at her arm.
"Let's just go," Rosana muttered.
"I don't care who your esteemed customer is but if you're going to throw me out, then you should throw this peasant girl out first" she blurted her eyes still fixed on me
"I'm afraid that cannot happen ma'am," the salesperson said
"May I ask why?" Cassie asked flashing him a glare
"If you must know, Ms Medley is our esteemed customer and I can't usher her out,"
"What!" Rosanna screamed, even I screamed in my own head, how's that possible. This is my first time in Zee's clothing, why did he regard me as an esteemed customer. This must be Mike I thought looking at him
"Let's just go Cassie, it's obvious she's hooking up with rich men now" Rosanna said, her eyes fixed on Mike
Cassie glared at me one last time before storming out, Rosana trailing behind her.
I exhaled shakily, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment.
"Miss, this way," another staff member said, gesturing toward the dressing rooms.
I followed silently, my emotions swirling. This wasn't the life I wanted, but at least, for now, I wasn't alone. Whatever Kyle's reasons were, I couldn't deny that this small act of kindness felt like a lifeline, no matter how short it might tend to be.
After trying on the clothes, Mike made payments and we left. This time the car took a different route, this route wasn't the one to Kyle's office but the route to the outskirts of the city. I didn't say a word, I knew deep down that no matter where they went or wherever I was taken to, I would be safe. After what seemed like an eternity, we came to halt in front of a magnificent Mansion. The entrance gate is a minimalist black steel design with intricate geometric patterns. The gate is fully automated and integrates with a fingerprint recognition system encrypted on the owner's phone. With a simple tap on the app, the gate scans the fingerprint and swings open silently. My eyes widened in shock, how did Mike open the gate with a single tap on his phone. I held my breath as I scanned the environment and structure of the mansion. The structure of this mansion is a blend of glass, steel, and white stone, with sharp, clean lines and large floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to flood every room. The exterior boasts a mix of green flowering plants, the property features multiple infinity pools, one in the front yard, glistening under the sunlight, and another that wraps around the back, seamlessly blending with the lush greenery. Without being told, one can tell that the pools are lined with underwater LED lights for an enchanting nighttime ambiance. Adjacent to the pools are outdoor lounge areas with modern furnishings, fire pits, and a small water fountain that harmonizes with the serene environment. The mansion's main doors opened into a grand foyer, the chandelier hung and supplied light to the large sitting room. This house was paradise, how can a person spend so much money on a house? I thought