Chapter 109

chapter109

“Why would I need you to accompany me? We aren't on those terms, Milani,” Emmanuel retorted with a frown, finding the sudden shift in her attitude more confusing than amusing.

“Shopping is always better with a second opinion, don't you think? I can help you pick out something truly special. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find we have more in common than we thought,” Milani said, her voice dropping into a practiced, coy tone.

The sight of Milani’s sudden sweetness, so at odds with the disdain she had shown him only weeks ago, nearly caused Emmanuel to lose his composure. She’s acting so strange today. It’s actually a bit unsettling.

“No, thank you,” Emmanuel rejected her offer firmly but politely. Despite his past experiences with her, he found it difficult to be outright aggressive when she was masking her intentions with a smile. He turned and began to walk toward the mall entrance.

However, Milani wasn't about to let him go so easily. She shouted after him, “Emmanuel, I’m not giving up! I’m going to prove to you that I’ve changed!”

Ruby, standing by the Honda, felt a wave of bewilderment. She hurried over to her cousin, looking at her as if she had lost her mind. “Milani, are you feeling alright? You’re acting like a completely different person.”

“I’m perfectly fine, Ruby!” Milani said, brushing her cousin’s hand away from her forehead. “Didn't you see the car he’s driving? Take a good look at it!”

She pointed emphatically at the Maserati Quattroporte.

Ruby had been so focused on the parking dispute that she hadn't truly registered the vehicle. Now that she looked, her jaw dropped. “Is that… a Maserati?”

“Yes! It’s a high-end model. I’ve seen it featured in luxury magazines. A car like that costs millions,” Milani said, her eyes gleaming with a newfound focus. “Only someone with serious influence or a massive promotion at a place like the Terence Group could afford that.”

Comprehension finally dawned on Ruby. Her contempt evaporated, replaced by a calculating interest. I almost offended a man of significant means because of my old assumptions.

“So, what’s the plan? How are you going to win him back?” Ruby asked.

“I’m still figuring that out,” Milani admitted. She had acted on impulse, realizing she had let a ‘big fish’ slip through her fingers, but she lacked the experience to genuinely pursue someone she had previously scorned.

“Don’t worry, Milani. I’ll help you,” Ruby declared confidently. “I’ve seen enough of the world to know what motivates men. With my guidance, he’ll be reconsidering his options in no time.”

“Thank you, Ruby!” Milani said excitedly. Ruby had been through several high-profile relationships before settling down, and Milani trusted her cousin’s perceived expertise in navigating social dynamics. They say it’s easier for a woman to pursue a man. With Ruby’s help, I’m sure I can fix this mistake.

“It’s a guaranteed success,” Ruby added, patting her cousin’s shoulder. “As long as he’s single and looking for appreciation, we’ll find a way to get through to him.”

Meanwhile, Emmanuel strolled through the sprawling shopping mall. Despite the rows of luxury boutiques, he found himself at a loss. What could he possibly buy for a woman like Mackenzie, who seemingly already had everything?

He decided to call his sister, Roselynn, to get a female perspective. However, as he pulled out his phone, he was greeted by a screen full of notifications.

“Ninety-nine-plus unread messages?”

A sense of dread crept up his spine. He had never been this popular on social media or over text. He stared at the screen, wondering if something had gone terribly wrong while he was busy navigating the parking lot.