Chapter 19: Shopping Trip

The party has finally come to a close, the last of the guests having filtered out into the chilly night air.

Ramsey and Robin are finally alone, standing beside each other as they watch the moon wax.

Ramsey turns to look at Robin, a satisfied smile on his face. " you pulled that off brilliantly. A true breakthrough, if I do say so myself."

He hands her a flute of champagne, which she accepts with a small, satisfied smile of her own. "Thank you."

They clink their glasses together, the crystal chiming in the silence of the empty room.

Ramesy takes a sip, his eyes never leaving Robin's face.

"Now that we've had our little victory celebration, I believe it's time we discuss the next phase of our arrangement." He sets his glass down on a nearby table, his expression turning serious.

Robin raises an eyebrow, taking a delicate sip of her own champagne. "And what would that be?"

"As you know, our deal was that I would help you get the revenge you so desperately desire," Ramesy says, his voice low and measured. "In exchange, you would stay by my side until I acquire what I'm searching for."

Robin nods, her grip tightening slightly on the stem of her glass. "I remember the terms of our agreement, Ramesy. What of it?"

"I believe the time has come to set that plan in motion." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, elegant envelope, offering it to her. "This is your first step."

Robin takes the envelope, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What is it?"

"Open it and see," Ramsey says, his lips curving into an enigmatic smile.

Carefully, Robin breaks the wax seal and pulls out the thick, embossed card inside.

Her eyes widen as she reads the elegant script. "An auction?" she murmurs, her brow furrowing.

She can't help but wonder if what Ramsey is searching for is within this place.

The man snorts, taking a sip of his champagne. "Correction, not just any auction but a very exclusive and private one."

She nods slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. "I see. And when is this auction?"

"This weekend," Ramsey replies. "I trust you'll be ready?"

"Of course," Robin says, her tone laced with determination. "I'll need to go shopping tomorrow to find the perfect outfit."

Ramsey's grin widens. "Excellent. And I'll be joining you, if you don't mind."

Robin's eyes widen in surprise, and she takes a step back, nearly stumbling over a stray chair leg. "You'll be coming with me? Why?" she sputters, her composure momentarily shaken.

It seems like there are some things that years of etiquette class can't cure, namely the wiley ways of unpredictable men.

Ramsey reaches out to steady her, his touch gentle but firm. "Indeed. I want to make sure you're properly outfitted for the occasion." His eyes glint with amusement.

"After all, first impressions are so important."

Robin takes a deep breath, trying to regain her footing – both literally and figuratively. "I... I see," she says, her mind whirling. "V-very well, then. I'll be ready."

Ramsey nods, his expression softening. "Excellent. I look forward to it." He raises his glass in a silent toast, his gaze never leaving hers.

Despite herself, she can't help but hope that he was just joking about coming with.

Please let it be a joke.

***********************

He wasn't joking.

Robin sighs heavily as she follows Ramsey into the elegant boutique, her mind still reeling.

The bell above the boutique door chimes as Ramsey and Robin step inside

"I thought you were joking about taking me shopping," Robin murmurs, glancing around the chic interior.

Sunlight streams through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the carefully curated merchandise.

Ramsey doesn't respond immediately, his gaze sweeping over the racks of elegant dresses and blouses. "I was not," he finally says, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder

An eager saleswoman greets them, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the tall, handsome man trailing behind Robin. "Welcome! How can I assist you both today?"

Ramsey turns his intense gaze on her, and the poor woman visibly wilts under his scrutiny.

"My fiancee here would like to try on some dresses," Ramsey replies, his deep voice cutting like a knife.

The sales associate blinks, momentarily flustered. "Of course, of course!" she stammers. Turning to Robin, she adopts a bright smile on her face. "Let's get too it now! Please, follow me and we'll get you set up in a fitting room and get your measurements."

Robin casts one more puzzled glance at Ramsey before allowing the saleswoman to guide her deeper into the boutique.

She doesn't really see the point of having Ramsey here with her. It's just shopping.

But despite herself, Robin can't help but be a little excited.

She's…. Never really gone shopping with anyone before, malik had certainly never indulged her there.

Maybe, this would be a nice opportunity to see what it's like.

When she returns, Ramsey is in front of a rack, his brow furrowed in deep concentration as he scrutinizes the array of dresses before him.

To Robin's surprise, the stoic, intense man seems utterly perplexed by the task at hand.

"I...I don't know what to choose," Ramesy murmurs, his usually confident baritone tinged with uncertainty.

"They're all so...different." He runs a calloused hand over the materials, his gaze flicking between the racks of vibrant fabrics and delicate lace.

Robin can't help but chuckle at his uncharacteristic indecision.

"Well, that's kind of the point, Ramesy. Women's fashion has a bit more variety than your usual suits and ties."

His frowns deepens, almost close to a pout

"I don't understand why this is so difficult," Ramsey mutters, more to himself than to Robin. "I can create multiple contingency plans within a minute with ease, but selecting a simple dress eludes me."

Robin snorts at this before leaning closer and lightly nudges his arm, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Don't tell me the great Ramesy is stumped by a few dresses?"