They arrived at one of the malls in the city center. A mall with a special design and, of course, filled with outlets of international retail products. Naturally, the prices of items inside were fantastic. For someone like Adaline, the price tags on each item were not within her range. She didn't even dare to enter the outlets of branded goods that had entered the global market, as it was clear that the price of a single item could reach three to four times Adaline's salary.
But, of course, it was different for her future mother-in-law. For that woman, amounts in the tens, hundreds, and billions were like small change to Adaline. Not of great value, but very much needed when buying bottled water or paying for public facilities. Adaline's hands were already filled with paper bags bearing the logos of renowned boutiques. Under the insistence of her future in-law, she reluctantly accepted new clothes and even sexy sleepwear that was intentionally chosen for her.
Her future mother-in-law even joked about giving dozens more as wedding gifts. Seeing how revealing the sleepwear bought by her future in-law was, Adaline couldn't help but blush as she imagined wearing those clothes on her body.
Her future in-law also bought several sets of work clothes that Adaline herself didn't dare to touch, considering the price of each piece could have many zeros behind it. Two simple bags with equally fantastic prices were already in her grasp, not to mention the neutral-colored shoes that Adaline could wear to the office and for casual outings. Adaline winced as the black-colored card continued to rub against the blue-colored machine.
The red blouse she had on earlier had now been replaced with an off-the-shoulder peasant dress in long-sleeves, made of gray Tessalik silk with small butterfly motifs falling just below her knees. Her work shoes had been swapped for comfortable black strap sandals.
As Adaline emerged from the dressing room, her future mother-in-law insisted that she should wear it right away. Adaline couldn't refuse; she simply complied as the boutique attendants packed her work clothes into a paper bag.
Before dinner, Mrs. Quirino invited her to one of the Japanese restaurants on one of the mall's floors. What surprised her was the presence of Altezza, sitting next to a woman with fair skin, black hair, and narrow eyes whom Adaline suspected truly had Japanese blood.
They were unaware of Adaline and Mrs. Quirino 's presence, engrossed in looking at the MacBook screen in front of them. Somehow, her future mother-in-law chose to sit at an empty table right next to Altezza's.
Duncan, Altezza's assistant, seemed quite surprised by Mrs. Quirino 's sudden appearance. However, he quickly hid his astonishment. The polite greeting was met with a wave from Mrs. Quirino .
"What would you like to order, dear?" Mrs. Quirino asked, examining the menu.
Adaline surrendered everything to her future mother-in-law, who eventually ordered the Wagyu Steak With Mushroom Sauce set with salad and lemon tea as their drink companion. She also requested Gelato and Banana Split as desserts to be served after they finished their meal.
Even after they had ordered the food and the waiter left, Altezza still hadn't noticed the presence of his mother and was busy with the screen in front of him. The Japanese-blooded woman seemed unwilling to create distance between their bodies, as she continued to stick close to Altezza's arm. Despite Duncan giving subtle hints with a few soft coughs, the man never turned.
Ten minutes later, the food was served in front of them. "I'm really hungry," the woman in front of Adaline exclaimed, looking at the meat menu in front of her with hungry eyes. Fortunately, drool didn't drip from her mouth, adorned with vibrant red lipstick that hadn't faded since they met earlier in the day.
She took a bite and displayed a pleased expression on her face as the taste satisfied her palate. "A date in a place like this seems fun, right, dear?" She spoke again with a loud tone, causing some people around their table to turn, except for Altezza. "Look, isn't it nice to be fed by your partner like that?" She nodded towards a couple feeding each other. "If only I were still young, I would ask Padre to do something romantic like that. Unfortunately, my husband is not the romantic type. I don't know if his son is a romantic type or not." She emphasized the word 'son' with a tone higher than necessary.
"M-Mom..." Adaline interjected, feeling uneasy.
"Be honest with me. Is 'Altezza' a typical romantic guy, or is he indifferent and cold?" The lady mentioned her son's name with a higher tone, her eyes glancing toward the table where Altezza was sitting. Apparently, the middle-aged woman's voice managed to disturb the name's owner because Altezza lifted his head, turned it in their direction, and then widened his eyes in surprise upon seeing the presence of his mother and fiancée.
"Finally, he realizes our presence. Even though it's been half an hour since we sat here," said the lady with a sarcastic tone, but she continued to feed herself.
"Mamma? Adaline?" The man furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Yes! It's me, your mother. Unless you have a new mother, then I'm not your mother anymore," continued Mrs. Delila, still with a sarcastic tone. However, when she looked at Adaline, her expression softened.
"So, is that boy romantic?" She asked again, more casually and less exaggerated than before. Adaline remained silent. "He's not romantic at all?" Mrs. Delila answered her own question, shaking her head with a sad expression. "It's okay, don't be sad. If you want a romantic guy, I'll introduce you to someone else." The woman made Altezza look at Adaline and his mother alternately with furrowed eyebrows. "It's okay, I don't mind if you don't end up with my son. As long as you're willing to be my adopted daughter, I'm grateful." She continued and fed the steak into her mouth again.
"What does Mamma mean by this?" Altezza's voice sounded displeased. His attention was now fully on his mother and fiancée. His body even turned completely toward his mother, ignoring his client's questioning face.
"What does it mean, huh?" Mrs. Delila asked back with a raised eyebrow, acting as if she didn't understand. "You're in the middle of a business deal with a client, it's rude to leave your client hanging." The lady smiled very sweetly at Altezza's client, who was now looking at Altezza and his mother alternately.
"Sorry, Yuri. She's my mother, Delila. And this beautiful one, she is my fiancée. Adaline. Mamma, Adaline, this is my business associate from Japan, Yuriko Hideo," the man introduced.
Both Adaline and Mrs. Quirino could see surprise and disappointment shadowing Yuriko's beautiful face before she could neutralize her expression and extend her hand. Truly a woman with high professionalism.
"I am Yuriko. Nice to meet you," she said somewhat hesitantly. "You are very beautiful, Madam. And also you, Miss," she added after a few seconds.
"You are also beautiful, Miss, or Madam?" replied the mother with a raised eyebrow.
"Miss. I am still single," the woman replied.
"Oh, Miss Yuriko. In that case, please continue with your meeting. I don't want my presence and my 'daughter-in-law' to disturb you." Mrs. Quirino smiled warmly.
Yuriko nodded in response, but Altezza narrowed his eyes, looking at his mother with a sharp gaze before turning back and continuing his presentation.
"So, back to my earlier question, dear. Is he romantic?"