Chapter 24
After finishing her meal, Stellar intended to leave and didn’t bother acknowledging Percy. She walked straight out of the campus gates.
With an upcoming commitment to attend a few project meetings with Shane next week, Stellar knew her wardrobe needed an upgrade.
Though her closet was filled with dresses and gowns handpicked by Claude, she found his taste a bit too plain for her liking. For important occasions, it was better to pick out outfits herself.
Besides, Claude’s black card came with a minimum spending limit. If she didn’t spend enough, he’d take it upon himself to send over more clothes, so she’d much rather choose things she genuinely liked.
Since the area was close to the city center, Stellar decided to stop by for some shopping
She stepped into an understated luxury boutique and soon spotted a gown displayed in a glass case. Unlike the other items in the store, this one stood out–elegant and clearly expensive.
Noticing her gaze lingering, a sales associate eagerly approached. “This is a new piece by our designer, one of a kind.”
Stellar glanced at the price tag: six hundred thousand dollars. It was steep, no doubt, but she liked it. The size looked right, and with upcoming events to attend, it felt like a worthwhile purchase. She asked the sales associate to bring it out for her to try on.
While browsing for more options, her eyes fell on a bold, deep–red tailored suit.
“Miss, you have excellent taste! This is from our latest limited collection. It’s perfect for you,” the sales associate gushed as she handed over the piece.
Stellar took the suit and headed to the fitting room. A few minutes later, she stepped out wearing it and stood before a full–length mirror.
“Wow, Miss, you look absolutely stunning!
Unlike the polite flattery from earlier, this time the compliment was heartfelt. Stellar’s natural poise and striking figure made the suit look even better than it had on the mannequin. She carried herself like she was born to wear clothes like this–a true natural
Stellar smiled faintly at her reflection.
In the past, she always dressed modestly and conservatively to cater to Percy’s preferences, whether at home or when accompanying him to business meetings.
But now, she was finally living for herself.
Stellar carefully selected outfits that matched her personal taste and style.
Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she saw a woman who was vibrant and confident, a stark contrast to the reserved and subdued version of herself from the past. Her radiant energy was undeniable, and for the first time, she felt truly alive.
At that moment, she couldn’t help but scoff inwardly at her former self. How foolish she was. The notion of being “virtuous” and “agreeable” had been the greatest form of shackles for a woman like her.
Having made her decisions, Stellar turned to the sales associate.
“I’ll take this one and these three as well. Please wrap them up.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 24
Just as the sales associate nodded and began preparing her purchases, two figures entered the boutique.
It was none other than Percy and Yvonne.
Percy looked disinterested, clearly regretting agreeing to Yvonne’s incessant suggestion to go shopping, Her constant chatter was grating, a far cry from Stellar’s quiet and considerate demeanor In the past. He was already searching for an excuse to leave when a familiar voice caught his attention.
His gaze instinctively followed the sound.
Not far away stood Stellar. Her long hair fell gracefully over her shoulders, and her face glowed with a bright, confident smile. She wore a strikingly bold red suit that accentuated her perfect figure.
The vivid red didn’t overshadow her charm; instead, it amplified her poised and commanding aura.
Stellar?
Percy stared in disbelief, unable to look away. Was this really the same woman he knew?
He never imagined her like this–stunning, self–assured, and undeniably captivating. Without realizing it, he took a step back, instinctively putting some distance between himself and Yvonne.
Yvonne, noticing his subtle retreat, felt her face twist with anger. She clenched her fists, trying to suppress her frustration, and deliberately tugged on Percy’s arm.
“Percy, look at her,” she said, her tone laced with venom. “Ever since Sister left you, she’s been dressing like this, all flashy and showy. And look–she’s buying so many clothes in a luxury boutique! Where’s she getting all that money from? Could it be… from some man?”
Chapter 25