Chapter 98: I need the diamond necklace, now!
Charles remained rooted in his standing position as his gaze was intensely focused on the couples that he least expected.
"Hey, aren’t you coming?" the sales representative asked as he halt when he noticed Charles had stopped in his tracks.
The question barely registered in Charles’ mind.
His eyelashes fluttered as he snapped out of his daze, his chest tightening.
Without a word, he turned on his heel, ready to walk straight out of the cosmetic store.
Charles had only taken a few steps before he suddenly stopped.
"Why am I running away?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.
Charles jaw tightened as a sigh escaped his lips. ’I didn’t cheat on Anna... so why should I be the one avoiding her?’
Steeling himself, Charles exhaled slowly and turned back around, forcing his feet to move.
He made his way toward the sales representative, who was already waiting by the shelves lined with skin-tone creams.
Just as Charles reached the section, his gaze flickered to the side—and there she was. Anna.
She stood a few feet away, accompanied by a young man dressed in a long, gray kimono-style jacket over a black shirt, which seamlessly complemented his black trousers.
His hair was neatly combed, and his hands rested casually in his trouser pockets as he browsed the rows of sun creams with an air of quiet confidence.
Beside him, Anna stood close—too close.
She wore a blue bodycon dress that clung to her curves, stopping just above her thighs.
A small handbag dangled from her right hand, while her left hand clutched onto the man’s shirt, as if staking a claim.
Anna and the guy beside her looked comfortable together, almost too comfortable.
Charles felt something stir in his chest, but he quickly pushed it down, keeping his expression unreadable.
’Who would’ve thought I’d run into her right after thinking about her?’ Charles mused, a sneer tugging at his lips.
His gaze darkened as his thoughts swirled. ’Was she really the one who went to my workplace to ask for my sick leave?’ He questioned himself and the idea made his stomach twist. ’And if she was... why? What’s her plan? What is she trying to scheme by pretending to care?’
Lots of different thoughts filled Charles’s mind, but immediately the sales representative clasped his hands together in excitement, Charles instantly snapped out of his thoughts.
"These are the creams designed to brighten your skin tone," the sales rep explained with a warm smile, expertly pitching the products. "They help reduce dark circles and even make fine lines and wrinkles disappear like they were never there."
He picked up a sleek-looking jar and held it out for Charles to inspect, his enthusiasm evident.
"Umm... can you give me a few minutes to find the one I like best?" Charles asked, his voice low and distracted.
The sales rep nodded enthusiastically. "Sure thing, darling. Take your time," he purred, his voice carrying a soft, almost playful lilt. "And if you need my assistance, don’t hesitate to ring me up, okay? I’m more than happy to help."
With that, he gave Charles a wink before stepping aside.
As the sales representative walked out of the cream section to help other customers, Charles decided to observe his surroundings for a while.
He noticed that each section of the cosmetics store had its own cashiers, sales representatives, and staff assigned to keep a watchful eye on customers—ensuring that products weren’t tested merely for fun.
The entire store was meticulously organized, designed to cater to every shopper’s needs.
Shelves were neatly arranged, making it clear that this wasn’t just any ordinary beauty shop—it was crafted for those who valued quality.
Charles lowered his back as he glanced at his reflection at a small mirrors which rested above a shelf.
"Babe, I want you to get me something more expensive," Anna whined, tightening her grip on the face-tone serum in her hand, which was wrapped in a fancy plastic bag.
Her lips jutted out slightly in a pout. "This one is too cheap. I’m scared it’ll ruin my skin, and I really don’t want that to happen."
Her voice was sweet, almost coaxing, but there was an undeniable edge of entitlement beneath it.
She clung to the man’s shirt even tighter, her eyes expectant as she waited for his response.
Anna and her boyfriend had already made their purchases and had paid the bills at one of the cashier tables near the cream section.
"Come on, babe," Anna’s boyfriend whispered, his tone firm yet laced with mild frustration. "You haven’t made any money fir a very long time and we can’t afford that expensive lifestyle of yours—not until you start getting more clients and making more money for us and our famil..."
Charles who had squat towards a lower shelf to pick up a facial lotion he liked, suddenly rose up from his squatting position.
But before he could take a step, a sudden force jolted him.
Anna’s boyfriend, distracted and seemingly in a hurry, walked straight into him, their shoulders colliding.
Charles staggered slightly but quickly regained his balance. His grip on the lotion tightened as he lifted his gaze, meeting the man’s eyes with a cold, unreadable stare.
"What the hell man!"
"Ohh! I am so sorry I didn’t know..."
"Charles?" Anna probed, cutting him off from completing his statement.
Charles scoffed, his lips curling in disdain. "Oh, Anna," he spat, his voice dripping with sarcasm as his cold gaze locked onto her.
He used to be pleased whenever he set his eyes on her, but now? After everything she had done, he just couldn’t help himself from being displeased by her sight.
Anna yanked firmly on her boyfriend’s shirt, her lips curling in a sneer as she shot Charles a venomous glare.
"Babe, this is the foolish nerdy guy I told you about," she spat, her eyes raking Charles from head to toe with disdain.
Then, as if remembering something far more important, her expression twisted with rage.
"Charles, you gave me a diamond ring and necklace, but then you took the necklace back?" she hissed, her voice sharp with indignation. "Where is it? I want my necklace back, and I want it this very instant!"
Her voice carried through the store, drawing the attention of a few curious onlookers.
But Charles? He simply stood there, unimpressed.
"What the hell, Anna!" Charles snapped in annoyance.