บท 17: Unexpected Genuine Happiness
Parker leaned against the car, arms crossed, watching Tessa stumble slightly as she twirled, laughing loudly under the soft glow of Melrose Avenue's streetlights. The wine from dinner had clearly hit her, and now she was fully in her element, eyes sparkling with mischief and a wild energy he hadn't expected.
"Parker, look at this! Prada! Gucci! Dior! Oh my God, we're hitting every store, no excuses!" she yelled, pointing dramatically toward the row of luxury boutiques.
She grabbed his hand, dragging him toward a brightly lit store window showcasing a ridiculously overpriced pair of heels.
"You're acting like a kid in a candy store, even forgetting how you should treat your master." Parker muttered, his cold demeanor cracking just slightly. A tiny smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he followed her inside.
"System, previous notification!"
[Ding! Spent $100,000. Earned $1,000,0000!
Current Bal: $20,001,000!]
"Ah, my $1000, I should use it or just add more to it!" But that would be for later when he was done farming affection points.
****
Inside, Tessa was unstoppable. She grabbed everything her tipsy mind thought was beautiful or outrageous enough to try on. A $3,000 sequined dress? Tossed into her growing pile. A limited edition $12,000 Louis Vuitton handbag? She cradled it like it was her firstborn. She tried on designer sunglasses, twirled in fur coats, and even debated buying a $5,000 pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos just to look at them on her shelf.
"Parker, are you seeing this?" she yelled, modeling a stunning Alexander McQueen gown in front of the mirror. "I'm a freaking queen!" She tilted her head back and laughed so hard the store staff exchanged amused glances.
Tessa was having the time of her life shopping with Parker, she allowed herself enjoy her life as a teenager she was. All her shoppings gave been boring either alone, her boring friends or family.
This was her first with a man, a bit tipsy, on his own money, allowing her and enjoying her being in her element half sober.
Parker leaned back in the plush chair by the fitting area, one hand casually resting on his jaw. His expression was unreadable, but there was something softer in his eyes. Maybe it was the way she seemed so unrestrained, or maybe it was her pure joy at being surrounded by all this decadence.
"You done yet, or do you plan to buy the whole store?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tessa spun around, holding up a $25,000 diamond bracelet. "What do you think? Does it scream 'I'm worth it?'"
"It screams 'you're insane.' But whatever. Add it to the pile," he replied with a shrug, his cool front intact despite her antics.
****
After two hours and multiple stores, Parker stood at the counter of a boutique, watching the cashier tally up the damage. Tessa was still buzzing around, trying on perfume at the last second.
"Your total is $547,800," the cashier announced politely, as if this was a normal number to say.
Parker handed over his card without a second thought, the system balance more than capable of handling the expense.
[Ding! Mission Complete.
Spent: $547,800.
Rewards: Bad Boy Charm & McLaren Speedtail!]
The system's notification flashed in his mind, and he chuckled under his breath.
"Parker!" Tessa exclaimed, running up to him with another pair of earrings she'd forgotten to buy. "I know you're gonna hate me, but these are the last ones, I swear!"
"Go ahead," he said, shaking his head as he passed the card over again. "You're out of control." But the store refused him to pay any further, for his good service they gave it to him for free.
He shrugged.
As they walked back to the car, Tessa clutched her bags like they were treasures and leaned her head back to look at the stars. "I don't know why you're so nice to me tonight. You're not as cold as you pretend to be, Master Parker Black," she teased, her tone light and carefree.
Parker glanced at her, his expression softening for the briefest second. "Don't push it, servant."
She laughed, her voice echoing down the quiet street as they reached the car. Tessa climbed into the passenger seat, still chattering about her spoils. Parker smirked as he started the engine, thinking about how utterly chaotic—but strangely entertaining—this night had been.
"Crazy girl," he muttered under his breath as he drove off toward their next stop.
As the shopping spree ended and everything was loaded into the car, Parker leaned against the sleek black CLA-Class, watching as Tessa buzzed with excitement. She tugged at his sleeve, barely able to contain herself.
"Okay, Mr. Bad Boy, now it's time for the real treat! My favorite movie's showing at the theater. You're gonna love it—well, maybe," she teased, giggling.
Parker just smirked, unlocking the car. "Whatever makes you happy, servant-princess," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm, though his words held a surprising warmth.
As they drove toward TCL Chinese Theatre, Tessa was a whirlwind of words, bouncing between the movie's plot, her favorite actors, and her predictions about Parker's reaction.
"Wait, wait—what if you hate it? No, you can't hate it. You've got that whole stoic, mysterious vibe, but even you gotta admit this movie is gonna slap," she said, poking his arm.
Parker glanced at her briefly, his lips twitching as though to suppress a grin. "You don't give me much of a choice, do you?"
"Nope!" she replied triumphantly, crossing her arms like she'd just won an argument.
They arrived at the bustling theater, lights flashing as moviegoers streamed in and out. Parker made a beeline for the counter, pulling out his wallet.
"Two tickets for a private screening," he said smoothly.
Tessa gasped, grabbing his arm. "Hold up, private?Don't be a snob, Master Parker. It's more fun with people around. No way. I'm not sitting in some fancy, boring room by myself. I have been doing that my whole life now. Today It's about the vibes with you Parker! We're watching it with everyone else."
He raised an eyebrow. "You're seriously turning down VIP treatment?"
"Uh, yeah. What's the point of a great movie if you're not laughing—or cringing—along with strangers?"
Parker rolled his eyes but relented. "Fine. Two regular tickets."
As the movie started, Tessa was fully immersed, laughing at the jokes, leaning forward during intense scenes, and occasionally whispering comments to Parker.
"You see that? That's how you do a plot twist. Take notes!" she whispered, nudging him.
*****
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