Chapter 53 Too Fond Of It To Give It Up
“What happened?” asked Rachel.
Yvonne detailed the entire situation. “Norton Burke finally agreed to let me work, yet he prohibited me from telling everyone that I’m his wife. We could have lived a peaceful life, but he insisted on complicating my life. He even undermined me at work!
Unbelievable”
Rachel ran her fingers through her hair, pondering. “Are you employed at his company?”
“Absolutely not! Why would I deliberately enter a lion’s den? He acquired the company after I joined and secretly took over as the top executive. He’s intentionally making things difficult, aiming to drive me out. The tactics he uses are despicable! What a jerk!” Yvonne was passionately explaining her frustrations.
Rachel didn’t bother to look around.
However, when she lifted her eyes casually, she was stunned.
Like a phantom appearing from thin air, Norton stood right behind Yvonne.
Reacting quickly, Rachel seized Yvonne’s hand. “Yvonne, I’m done with my coffee. How about we go shopping?”
Retreating seemed the most prudent action at that moment.
Yet Yvonne, deep in her heated rant, showed no signs of stopping.
She dismissed Rachel’s appeal. “Hold on, no hurry. Let me finish blasting that jerk first, then we’ll go shopping.”
Rachel tried to communicate urgency with her eyes, but Yvonne, animated and captivated by her own words, paid no attention.
Left with no alternative, Rachel stood and said directly, “Good afternoon, Mr. Burke. Fancy seeing you here.”
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Chapter 53 Too Fond Of It To Give It Up
“Rachel…” Yvonne pulled at her friend’s arm. “What are you talking about? Which Mr.
Burke?”
Before she could finish her sentence, a low, grinding voice emerged right beside her. “How many Mr. Burkes do you think there are?”
That voice struck a chord. Yvonne turned her head, and upon seeing Norton, she was
stunned.
“Norton, what a coincidence!” She managed a tight, forced smile. Getting caught speaking ill of someone was hardly a moment of pride.
“You just referred to me as a jerk, right?”
Yvonne quickly said, “What? You heard it wrong!”
“Don’t play games with me. I heard every word you said clearly.”
“Oh, Rachel and I were just discussing a movie. There must have been some confusion.”
Norton emitted a cold scoff. “Really? What a coincidence that the villain in your story shares my full name, Norton Burke?”
Yvonne was taken aback. How could he possibly have heard that well?
As she scrambled for an explanation, a honeyed voice interjected, “Mr. Burke, did you get my coffee yet? I’ve been craving it.”
The woman’s voice oozed sweetness as she clung to Norton’s arm.
Yvonne’s eyes narrowed, her stare turning cold.
Norton didn’t shake the woman off. Instead, he looked amused, seemingly eager to gauge Yvonne’s reaction.
Unexpectedly, Yvonne spun around and tugged at Rachel’s arm.
Using a similarly sweet tone, she said, “Sweetie, it suddenly feels stink here. Let’s go outside for some clean air.”
Before departing, she threw a look at Norton, saying, “Be careful not to catch anything dirty.”
“Can’t you say anything nice for once?” Norton’s face grew dark, his expression stormy.
“If you want sweet words, have your date over there utter them!” Yvonne retorted,
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Chapter 53 Too Fond Of It To Give It Up
pulling Rachel away with her.
Once outside, Rachel regarded her with concern. “Are you alright?”
Yvonne inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly. “I’m fine. I knew the stakes when I married him. At this stage, our marriage is merely a facade. His grandfather’s health is failing. If he passes, Norton and I will likely part ways too.”
Rachel gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Let’s not dwell on unhappy things. Come on, let’s shop!”
“Agreed.”
As they walked, Rachel shared recent updates about her and Brian.
“The fact he returned just for you means something. You should acknowledge that. But if he fails to love you right, then you need to ditch him. Maybe we can live together in
the future.”
Rachel smiled playfully. “Won’t that leave us broke?”
“Not at all,” Yvonne said confidently. “Remember, Norton and I are married. If we split, he has to pay me alimony.”
Rachel chuckled, and together, arm in arm, they continued towards the mall.
With the upcoming birthday banquet for Brian’s grandma Carol, Rachel was on the hunt for an appropriate outfit.
Carol adored the color red, making it an obvious choice for her birthday celebration.
Thus, Rachel set her sights on finding red attire.
Yvonne,
known for her sharp fashion sense, was an ideal shopping partner.
“There’s a boutique on the upper floor,” Yvonne said. “The designer there is making waves in the fashion world. I’ve seen their work, and it’s outstanding. Their style would suit you perfectly.”
They made their way to the boutique immediately.
Upon entering, Rachel was instantly taken by the designs. The clothing there indeed aligned with her preferences.
They selected several items, and Yvonne encouraged Rachel to try them on.
“Alright!”
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Chapter 53 Too Fond Of It To Give It Up
Rachel modeled five different outfits in succession, each more striking and fitting than
the last.
However, when she stepped out in the final one, both women’s eyes immediately
brightened.
“Rachel, this is the standout piece! What do you think?”
“I agree. I’ll just…”
Before Rachel could complete her thought, a voice interjected, “I’ll take the one she’s wearing. It hasn’t been bought yet, right? Put it on my card.”
Yvonne was instantly furious. She whirled around, prepared to confront the situation.
The speaker approached Rachel with a smooth, confident smile.
“Rachel, my apologies,” the woman said sweetly. “You were the first to try it on, but you seemed undecided, right? I absolutely adore this dress. You’re so kind, you wouldn’t mind letting me have it, would you?”
Her smile was warm and inviting, but her intentions were clearly not as benign.
Yvonne moved closer to Rachel and murmured, “Do you know her?”
“Yes,” Rachel responded, advancing with a courteous smile. “Doris, it’s been a long time. When did you return?”
“Just yesterday,” replied Doris Santos, her voice filled with arrogance. “I’m still dealing with jet lag. I planned on visiting Brian’s family today.”
“It’s been quite a while since your last visit. Carol must really miss you.”
“She does. She’s always favored me the most,” Doris said, her grin widening. “Rachel, think of this dress as a welcome–back gift to me. I’ll have them wrap it up right away.”
Despite Rachel maintaining her smile, Doris pressed her advantage.
“Sorry,” Rachel said, her tone even but decisive, “the dress is mine. I’m too fond of it to give it up.” Her declaration resonated through the boutique.
Doris looked at her, stunned, as if unable to grasp what she had just heard. “What did
you say?”
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