Chapter 8
Harlan had no problem taking the initiative to ask me out.
So for the next several days in a row.
I had every single meal with Harlan.
Sometimes after dinner when he wasn’t busy, he’d even go shopping with me.
With him walking beside me, I definitely got way more attention while shopping.
After walking me home, he’d somehow magically produce a gift from his car.
Sometimes it was some impossible–to–get limited edition handbag, other times it was ridiculously expensive jewelry from auction houses.
At first, I absolutely refused to accept them.
But his attitude got uncharacteristically serious.
“Miss Storm, if we’re in the getting–to–know–each–other phase, then I’m courting you.”
‘Gifts and other gestures are costs I should be covering in pursuing you.”
‘And this is completely within my personal budget.”
‘If you don’t accept them, I’ll assume you’re rejecting any further contact with me.”
Then he actually looked down with this dejected expression.
‘Unless… that’s really what you mean?”
He looked so fucking sad that I had nothing to say.
So I ended up going home with bags and bags of stuff.
Getting used to the feeling of being buried in money every day.
But I felt weird constantly accepting his generosity.
So before our dinner date today, I went to the department store early to pick out a gift for Harlan.
Except after wandering around forever.
I honestly couldn’t find anything this guy would actually need.
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From My Ex’s Plan B to A Big Shot’s Goddess
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Chapter 8
I ended up choosing a brand he wore often and picked out a tie I thought would go with everything.
While I was getting it wrapped and paying, I heard this snort behind me.
“Elysia, finally done with your little tantrum?”
My whole body instantly went rigid.
Because I knew that voice way too well.
It was Garrick’s.
I turned around.
Garrick and his friends had appeared at the store entrance at some point, and he was looking at me with this smug
expression.
I didn’t give him a second glance and turned back to wait for the clerk to finish wrapping.
But those assholes had to come over.
“Shopping, Elysia? That’s a men’s tie, isn’t it? Picking something out for Garrick?”
“That style would totally match the suit Garrick’s wearing today–you really put thought into this!”
“Though after all the drama you’ve caused, Garrick’s pretty pissed. One tie might not be enough to smooth things
over…”
In the middle of all their chattering, Garrick scoffed.
“Like I need another fucking tie…”
“But if you apologize properly, I might throw you a bone.”
His voice made me sick to my stomach.
I didn’t even look at him.
‘I already quit. My name is Elysia, not ‘assistant.“”
‘And this isn’t for Garrick Wilder, so could you mind your own business?”
After I said that, the guys who’d been all smiles slowly stopped grinning,
Garrick’s expression darkened too.
He stared at me for a long moment.
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From My Ex’s Plan B to A Big Shot’s Goddess
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Chapter 8
“Still not done with this shit?”
“Enough already, Elysia. I don’t have infinite patience.”
Then he glanced mockingly at the tie the clerk had just finished wrapping.
“A men’s tie. Who else could you possibly be buying it for?”
I paid and took my purchase.
“For my blind date. Is that okay with you?”
Garrick’s eyes narrowed.
“Didn’t you say you weren’t going on blind dates?”
I picked up the gift and headed for the exit.
“I got a new one.”
His voice instantly turned ice cold.
“Who?”
I paused for a second, then decided to tell the truth.
‘Harlan Cross.”
The moment that name–familiar to everyone in our circle–came out, all of them went dead silent.
After a moment, there was soft laughter.
Mocking laughter.
Garrick’s heavy voice came from behind me.
Elysia.”
Using another man to make me jealous is pathetic.”
And if you’re gonna lie, at least make it believable.”
didn’t give a shit whether they believed me or not,
I walked straight out without looking back.
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