Chapter 9
Evelyn wasn’t one to mope around. She chuckled at herself, snagged a bus pass, and dove into the buzzing city life. Her little hideaway in the sleepy town had its old–world charm, but downtown Romaine? It was like stepping into the future.
She wandered into a mall, a spot that felt way fancier than her normal low–key vibe. Right off the bat, she saw a salesgirl i skirt with a super high slit getting closer. She almost turned around and walked right out.
“Welcome, beautiful lady. The salesgirl hit her with a peppy hello in Clusian that had a twist of an accent.
It caught Evelyn off guard, and she could only muster up an awkward grin. Hearing the language she grew up with, all the way out here, was a mix of weird and kinda nice.
The salesgirl, quick to read people and always bubbling with energy, gently coaxed Evelyn further inside. ‘Our boss is from Clusia–all of us here know how to speak Clusian.”
Evelyn was taken aback. A Clusian owned a big store like this in the heart of downtown Romaine?
She scanned the place until something caught her eye and made her stop in her tracks. There it was: Evelyn Jewelry. That was her brand, her baby. She’d never dreamed it would make it this far from home.
Now she was really curious about who was behind bringing her jewelry line here.
But her thoughts got cut off when the salesgirl came up to her, holding out a bold red dress and looking all excited.
“This would look stunning on you,” the girl said with total confidence. “With your perfect figure and tall frame, it’s like it was made for you. Wanna give it a try?
Evelyn held the dress against her, her mind spinning. “Isn’t it too red? Kinda loud, maybe?”
She never thought of herself as anyone special, not next to Ava and certainly not through someone like Caleb’s eyes.
“Loud? No way!” The salesgirl’s smile was as bright as the dress. This is totally your thing. It’ll show off all your best bits. Try it on–you’ll fall head over heels for it!”
Evelyn felt conflicted. With the salesgirl watching keenly, she stepped out of the dressing room, playing with the hem of the chiffon skirt in a nervous sort of way.
“How’s it looking? You think it might be too flashy?” she asked, unsure of herself.
Just a minute earlier, Evelyn had peered at her reflection: the bold red dress set off her smooth hair that tumbled over her shoulders in waves. She had to admit, she looked pretty amazing
But this whole getup was a big leap from the clothes she normally wore. Wearing something this eye–catching felt weird to
her.
Evelyn was caught off guard when a man’s voice chimed in, “You look incredible.”
She spun around to see a guy in a sharp suit leaning against a glass wall, eyeing her with clear approval.
Thanks, she managed to say with a blush. In her five years of marriage to Caleb, no one had ever laid on compliments like
that.
“Mr. Quinn, hello,” the salesgirl said, snapping out of her daze and giving a polite nod.
This dress is like it was meant for you. It’s one of our shop’s treasures, and we’ve been waiting for just the right person to wear it. Guess today’s my lucky day,” he said with a friendly grin
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Chapter 9
Evelyn’s face turned an even brighter shade of red at his bold words. She felt super shy all of a sudden.
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Tm Aron Quinn, he went on, all friendly–like. “I believe we saw each other this morning in Chinowa. It was quick and I didn’t get to say hey.”
“Oh. Mr. Quinn. hi. I’m Evelyn Brin. My bad about this morning Evelyn answered, thinking back to the guy she had bumped into at the door.
She dropped her gaze, laughing in a kind of awkward way, not noticing the twinkling look Aron gave her. He seemed to be reading her, a small smile tugging at his lips.
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