"Oh my. Is this one of those limited editions Heart in Art Jewels? I heard they only released five pairs of this design. Mr. Shen really has a good eye to choose this ring for you."
"I love it. I was surprised that he knew what to pick for me," Lu Xinyi said shyly.
"Oh, you know I think I know a perfect pair of dress for you. It's not supposed to hit the stores until next month, but I doubt my manager would mind if you'll get it this early. Do you want to see it?" the sales clerk asked. Her eagerness to make a sale to Shen Yi's wife was so obvious to Lu Xinyi's eyes.
"I would love to. Does it include a suit for my husband? He really likes it whenever our clothes match perfectly." Lu Xinyi smiled gratefully. It was already four in the afternoon, but she hadn't finished her task yet. She also needed to prepare their dinner for tonight.
"There is! Give me a minute, and I will take it from our stockroom."
The sales clerk rushed behind the counter and into the stockroom to get what she needed. Lu Xinyi came to stand and look around. She would never get used to these luxuries. She was aware that Shen Yi wasn't planning on revealing their marriage soon, but she thought that it would be better for people to know he was already taken.
Now, she was really nervous about this gala. She'd never been to one of these things before. What if she tripped herself and fell, making a fool of herself and then embarrassing her husband until the end of time for bringing her with him?
Ah, that's just one possibility, but could someone blame her for being nervous?
Back in high school, she wasn't popular, unlike Meng Jiao who had a lot of admirers. She was often picked last for everything because she wasn't good in academics or any sports. The only thing she was good at was… what else but cooking.
The gala was tomorrow night, but at least, she didn't need to freak out on what to wear because Shen Yi had already planned ahead. She didn't own any pretty dresses for such event and was glad that she was able to have one for herself, courtesy of her generous husband.
The sales clerk came rushing back and handed an exquisite light orange dress to Lu Xinyi.
"Orange?" Lu Xinyi blinked. "I thought blue and pink are popular for dresses."
"It's one of the dresses from our latest collection. I think this color will suit your pale smooth skin perfectly, Mrs. Shen. It also comes with a purse to pair with it. Don't you like it?" the clerk asked.
"I love it." Lu Xinyi admitted. She'd never seen a dress like this before. It was soft, elegant, and not too revealing. Her hand touched the long skirt of the dress with admiration. "I'll take it. Also, I assume you already know my husband's clothes' sizes. Can you prepare it for me too?"
"Of course, Mrs. Shen. I'll prepare everything. Is there something else you need?"
Lu Xinyi shook her head. She had enough of those clothes, bags, and shoes she purchased for today. She didn't think she would need to buy another for at least a year or so, but she wouldn't dare to let people speculate that her big bad husband never let her purchase anything. It was easy for people to spread rumors about him.
She just hoped that her husband wouldn't be upset about the massive black hole that would appear in his bank account soon. Nah, he was the one who forced her to spend his money for the gala. He shouldn't blame her for this.
---
Lu Xinyi had been waiting for her husband for an hour, and she wondered what was taking him so long to come home. Didn't he say he would be back after the little celebration his company got that afternoon? They were able to seal the deal with the client they met for lunch yesterday so everyone was excited and happy to start another project.
The ingredients for her classic pan-seared ribeye steak were already prepared in the kitchen. She was just waiting for her husband to come home so she could start cooking their dinner.
A cold pit started to form in her stomach, twisting and building within her. Lu Xinyi could feel something was not right. Shen Yi was very punctual with his appointment and meetings. He would've given her a call if he was coming late. Her body seemed to grow cold.
No. She couldn't wait anymore. Standing up from her seat, Lu Xinyi took her keys and her phone from their bedside table before going outside. She hailed a cab and ask the driver to bring her to the company building they visited yesterday.
update: 6/20