"Am I forgiven?" Ethan asked.
Maria crossed her arms. "Do I have a choice?" She glanced at Sharon, who was smiling too brightly for her liking. "I still don't like you. I'm just doing what's right," Maria said, then turned and headed upstairs.
Sharon smirked, watching Maria retreat. Yes, run away. You like me because I bribed you, she thought.
"Thief," Ethan called after her, climbing the stairs.
Sharon gasped. "What a childish man. How can he call me a thief?" she muttered, shaking her head as she followed him up to her room.
Later, Sharon emerged from the bathroom to find Ethan sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when he heard her footsteps.
"You've heard my parents are coming tomorrow. You'll need to get ready, so I'll take you shopping in the morning," he said.
Sharon hesitated. "But what about my bakery? I have so many orders coming in."
He clasped his hands and gave her a pointed look. "That's not a problem. I'll just tell Grandma that you're too busy with business to do what she says." With that, he rolled over, switched off his bedside lamp, and settled in.
Sharon huffed softly. This man is unbelievable. She slipped into bed, trying to ignore the tension between them.
The next morning, Sharon hurried downstairs, ready for work, only to find Ethan pacing impatiently. He glanced at his watch every few seconds, and when he heard her approach, he looked up, his expression unreadable.
Instead of returning her smile, he just turned and walked out the door. Sharon bit back her irritation and followed him.
At the boutique, a cheerful attendant greeted them. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster. I'll be your attendant today."
Ethan gave a curt nod. "Give her whatever she wants—shoes, bags, clothes. Anything."
Sharon's eyes widened. "Isn't that too much? I'm okay with just a little," she protested, slipping her hand into his.
He glanced down at their joined hands, then pulled his away. "Just make it quick. I don't have time to waste." Without another word, he moved to a nearby couch, took out his phone, and started working.
The attendant gestured to the racks of clothes, and Sharon followed her, already feeling worn out by Ethan's attitude.
She tried on countless outfits, and every time she glanced over, Ethan didn't even lift his eyes from his phone. Her frustration grew with every indifferent look.
"Grandma asked him to participate, and there he is, not paying attention," Sharon mumbled under her breath.
"Pardon me, ma'am?" the attendant asked politely.
"Nothing," Sharon replied with a forced smile. "Is this all?"
The attendant smiled knowingly. "There's one more I think would suit you best. Please wait here."
Moments later, Sharon stepped out in a flowing, elegant gown that hugged her curves just right. She stared at her reflection, her eyes widening. "Wow... this is beautiful."
The attendant clapped her hands softly. "I knew it! You look stunning, ma'am. I'm sure Mr. Lancaster won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Sharon's confidence blossomed. "You really think so?"
Across the room, Ethan finally glanced up. His phone slipped from his fingers, but he caught it before it hit the floor. He stared at her, captivated despite himself. Sharon noticed and couldn't help but smirk.
He cleared his throat and straightened his jacket, trying to mask his reaction. "If you're done, we need to leave," he said, signaling to his guard to carry the bags.
Sharon stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "No need to be grumpy just because I caught you staring. I know I'm beautiful, and men usually fall at my feet just from one look."