Chapter_216
Tyler gave Colleen a neutral look, his voice firm and commanding as he said, “Buy anything you like.”
“Thanks, Tyler!” Colleen beamed, her excitement evident. She immediately grabbed Olivia by the arm. “Come on, Olivia. He’s in a giving mood today.”
Olivia, still uncertain about her desires, glanced at Tyler, who then casually addressed one of the staff members. “Find something for her,” he said, his gaze steady on Olivia.
The staff hurried over, their enthusiasm nearly palpable, but Olivia felt a sense of unease settling over her. Under Tyler’s watchful eye, she had no choice but to follow the worker, feeling more like an obligation than a guest. Meanwhile, Tyler took a seat on a nearby couch, waiting patiently.
Half an hour later, Colleen had managed to choose numerous bags, big and small, and had even managed to coax Olivia into picking a few items, though Olivia’s interest was lackluster. Tyler’s gaze fell on the bags Olivia was holding.
“That’s all?” he asked, his voice low but insistent. “Aren’t you going to get some clothes?”
Olivia shifted slightly, feeling the weight of his attention. “I can’t find anything I really want. I still have the clothes you bought me before.” She immediately regretted the words, realizing they might sound too blunt.
Tyler stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without saying a word, he stood and moved toward the display racks. He selected a pure white bag, holding it out to her. “How about this one?”
The bag was elegant, sleek, and clearly suited for someone of Olivia’s age. Its purity contrasted the usual chaos of the store, a quiet elegance that seemed to mirror Olivia’s own gentle nature.
Colleen, who had been hovering nearby, was surprised. “I thought that bag was sold out?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Just as Tyler reached for the bag, a store worker rushed up to them, her face flushed with embarrassment. “I—I’m sorry, Mr. Tyler. Someone already pre–ordered this limited edition bag,” she stammered.
Tyler raised an eyebrow at her, and the woman flinched slightly under his gaze. Though visibly disappointed, Tyler didn’t make a fuss. “Who reserved it?” he asked, his tone cool and commanding.
The worker hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. “I’m afraid I can’t disclose that, sir.”
As the scene unfolded, Olivia stood silently beside Tyler, watching the interaction. Just then, a couple entered the store, laughing and holding hands, the sound of their voices cutting through the tension in the air. When they saw Tyler and Olivia, both stopped in their tracks, their gazes locking.
Sophie’s eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight before her. Olivia, standing next to Tyler, a bag in his hand—an intimate, almost protective moment between the two of them.
Sophie’s instinctive reaction was to call out, “Olivia?” Her voice was sharp, uncertain.
Olivia turned, her heart sinking slightly at the sound of Sophie’s voice. Sophie was with Jacob, clearly on a date, and she had come to pick up the very bag that Tyler had just been holding. Olivia’s heart skipped a beat at the coincidence, her stomach twisting with unease.
Jacob, standing next to Sophie, said nothing. He observed quietly, his eyes unreadable.
Colleen, ever the curious one, glanced at Tyler and then at the couple. “Who are they, Tyler?” she asked, her voice light but with a hint of probing.
Tyler didn’t respond immediately, his face impassive. His silence only made the situation feel more charged.
Before anyone could speak further, the store worker added, nervously, “Ms. Sophie, that’s Mr. Tyler’s wife. Could you please do me a favor and consider letting her have the bag?”
The words hung in the air, and Olivia felt a chill settle over her. Sophie’s eyes flicked to Tyler, to Olivia, then back to the worker. The tension between the two women was palpable, each one trying to navigate the complex web of emotions and relationships in the room.