"Suppose I don't attend the birthday banquet, then I won't have to spend a fortune or take out a loan to buy those expensive clothes and handbags." Sophie's head drooped lower and lower. "Yesterday I wandered around the department store and saw the price tags on those luxury brands—they were outrageously expensive. After aimlessly circling the floors several times, I realized I couldn't afford a single thing." She swallowed hard.
Ned remained expressionless, letting her continue.
"Even if I took out a loan to buy those designer items, I'd still feel heartbroken—absolutely heartbroken—because after wearing them just once, I'd lock them away. I wouldn't dare use or wear them again; I'd be terrified of accidentally staining or damaging them. Deep down, I'd constantly be thinking: these cost me a year's savings, or I'd be paying off the loan for years."
"Is that all your 'supposition' amounts to?" Ned asked, still stone-faced.
