The sleek black sedan glided to a smooth stop in front of one of the most exclusive boutiques in the city.
Golden lights spilled from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, illuminating rows of designer gowns, tailored suits, elegant handbags, sparkling jewelry, and luxury shoes.
Maya stepped out first.
She looked up at the enormous building.
Then back at the chauffeur.
Then at Stephanie.
"…Stephanie."
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Are you absolutely sure we're allowed in there?"
Stephanie couldn't help laughing.
"I think so."
"I think we're underdressed just looking at the building."
The chauffeur smiled politely as he opened the boutique's glass door.
"Miss Stephanie, Miss Maya… after you."
The moment they stepped inside, several elegantly dressed sales assistants greeted them with warm smiles.
"Good evening, Miss Stephanie."
"Welcome."
One of them immediately approached.
"Mr. Larento informed us that you would be visiting tonight."
"Everything has already been prepared."
Stephanie blinked.
"…Prepared?"
The woman smiled.
"Please make yourselves comfortable."
"We'll assist you with anything you need."
Maya leaned toward Stephanie.
"Prepared?"
She whispered dramatically.
"What kind of billionaire treatment is this?"
Stephanie giggled.
"I honestly have no idea."
Rows upon rows of stunning outfits surrounded them.
Silk gowns.
Cashmere coats.
Designer heels.
Luxury handbags.
Fine jewelry displayed beneath sparkling lights.
Maya slowly spun in a circle.
"Oh…"
"My…"
"Goodness."
She grabbed Stephanie's arm.
"If I pass out…"
"Tell my family I died happy."
Stephanie burst into laughter.
"You're impossible."
"No."
Maya shook her head.
"I'm poor."
"There's a difference."
One of the assistants couldn't hide her laughter.
"Please feel free to browse."
"Anything you like can be packaged immediately."
That was all Maya needed to hear.
Within seconds…
She was racing from one clothing rack to another.
"Stephanie!"
She held up a gorgeous emerald-green dress.
"What about this one?"
Before Stephanie could answer…
Maya had already picked another.
"And this?"
"And this?"
"And definitely this!"
Stephanie shook her head.
"You've picked six dresses already."
"I know."
Maya smiled proudly.
"And I've only been here for three minutes."
Stephanie laughed so hard she nearly doubled over.
Just then…
Her phone vibrated.
She smiled the moment she saw the caller ID.
Adrian.
She quietly stepped away from the racks before answering.
"Hi."
His familiar voice instantly made her smile wider.
"So…"
"I've been wondering."
"Has today finally stopped surprising you?"
Stephanie laughed softly.
"I don't think today knows how to stop."
"I figured."
Adrian chuckled.
"So…"
"How's my favorite graduate?"
"I'm okay."
"You sure?"
His tone became gentler.
"I've been thinking about you."
Stephanie's heart skipped.
"I'm okay."
She paused.
"Just… overwhelmed."
"I can imagine."
There was a brief silence before Adrian spoke again.
"So…"
"Where are you now?"
Stephanie glanced around.
"My grandparents sent Maya and me shopping."
"Shopping?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Grandpa gave us shopping cards and told us to replace our wardrobes."
Adrian laughed.
"I should've guessed."
"Your grandparents don't do anything halfway."
Stephanie smiled.
"They really don't."
"So where exactly are you?"
Stephanie mentioned the boutique's name.
Adrian gave a low whistle.
"That's probably the most expensive boutique in the city."
Stephanie laughed.
"I was thinking the same thing."
There was another pause.
Then Adrian spoke more quietly.
"I was wondering…"
"If you're not too tired…"
"I'd like to stop by the mansion tonight."
Stephanie's smile softened.
"I'd like that."
"I think Grandpa and Grandma would be happy to see you."
"I actually wasn't asking about them."
Stephanie blinked.
"I wanted to see you."
A warm blush spread across her cheeks.
For a second…
She completely forgot where she was.
"Stephanie?"
Adrian laughed softly.
"You still there?"
She smiled shyly.
"Yeah."
"I'll see you tonight."
"I'll be looking forward to it."
After hanging up…
She stood there for a moment…
Still smiling.
When she turned around…
Maya was standing with folded arms.
"Were you smiling like that because of me?"
Stephanie immediately looked away.
"No."
"So…"
"It was Adrian."
Stephanie sighed dramatically.
"…Yes."
Maya squealed.
"I knew it!"
"What did he say?"
"He's coming over tonight."
Maya clapped excitedly.
"Perfect!"
She grabbed another dress.
"In that case…"
"We have work to do."
Stephanie laughed.
"What work?"
"We need to make you look so beautiful…"
"…that Adrian forgets how to speak."
Stephanie threw a nearby cushion at her.
"Maya!"
"What?"
"I'm helping!"
The assistants burst into laughter.
Within minutes…
Several elegant gowns had been selected.
Shoes.
Handbags.
Jewelry.
Perfumes.
Skincare products.
Every time Stephanie protested about the cost…
The assistants simply smiled.
"Mr. Larento instructed us not to let you worry about the bill."
Stephanie looked around the boutique, feeling overwhelmed.
Just yesterday…
She had been wondering how she'd replace a pair of worn-out shoes.
Today…
Her grandparents were showering her with a kind of love she had never known.
She smiled softly.
Not because of the expensive clothes.
Not because of the luxury surrounding her.
But because every gift…
Every thoughtful gesture…
Was their way of saying,
"Welcome home."
As she caught her reflection in one of the mirrors…
She barely recognized the young woman looking back at her.
For the first time in years…
She felt like she truly belonged.
Outside, the city lights shimmered beneath the night sky.
And somewhere across town…
Adrian was already counting down the minutes until he would see her again.