Chapter 124 124. The mall
Tabitha’s POV
Holding Alpha Emery’s credit card makes my skin itch. The thought of buying jewelry that could probably cover four years of tuition at an elite university makes my stomach twist. It is not like this is my first time handling money from my stepdad. My mom and I get allowances. Bills are covered. Life is comfortable. But still, this card feels different. This is his card, and the freedom that comes with it feels dangerous.
Also, why is Kaileani Galleria’s layout so confusing? I’m not really bad with places but damn, this mall has a very disorienting interior.
“You’ll be okay. Picking jewelry is easy. Just take whatever sparkles best,” Reed says.
“You’re not in the position to give some tips, man. The only jewelry you own are the same chain accessories,” Jace taunts.
Reed flips his middle finger without even looking at his brother. “I can’t hear you with the mountain of boring watches you have.”
“They’re bespoke limited edition watches,” Jace counters.
“You mean bespoke eyesores?”
“Better than your gold spaghetti necklaces.”
“At least I don’t need a watch swimming with gems to tell the time.”
Luca sighs and shakes his head at his brothers. “Idiots,” he mutters. Then, he gently grabs my arm and steers me towards one particular store.
“How about that one?” he asks.
In front of the store is the label of a reputable luxury jewelry brand. “Oh, I didn’t know they have a store in Kaelara.”
“They just opened here last year. The island’s been having a lot of traction lately, so investments from the mainland are pouring in,” Evren chimes in.
“Wanna check it out?” Luca offers.
“Sure. I mean, I don’t know where else to look, anyway.”
I let Evren and Luca guide me toward the store, my fingers curling nervously around Alpha Emery’s credit card. The closer we get, the bigger the display windows look, and I can’t stop myself from sneaking glances at the sparkling pieces inside.
Evren and Luca lead me straight to the store without slowing down. The glass doors slide open and we step inside before I even think to look back. Reed and Jace stay behind for a moment too long, still locked in their argument. It takes them a second to notice we are gone. They scramble after us and slip in just before the doors close.
A staff member approaches us at once. She freezes when she looks up, recognition flashing across her face as soon as her eyes land on the brothers.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Aldairs!” she exclaims, her voice brightening. “Welcome.” She smooths her blonde hair and smiles wider. “I am Celeste. Allow me to assist you today.”
Her attention stays on the brothers as she speaks. I might as well be invisible.
“How may I help you?” she asks. Her eyes are practically twinkling while looking at the brothers.
For a moment, I considered ditching this one and just going to a different store.
“We are looking for something that would suit her.” Luca gestures at me. “Our stepsister.”
“Of course!” Celeste says quickly. “Please come with me.”
She leads us past the main floor and into a private room. The door closes behind us, and I stop short. Wow.
Jewelry fills the space. Glass cases line the store, each one lit to draw the eye straight to the jewelry inside. Gold and gemstones sit in neat displays that make the space feel more like a gallery than a shop.
I have never seen this much jewelry up close before. At every formal event we have attended in the past weeks ever since we moved back here, it was my mom who handled everything. She chose the outfit. She chose the accessories. All I did was show up. Now, I’m standing surrounded by options, I suddenly feel overwhelmed.
Celeste gestures toward another display. “We also have a men’s collection if you would like to take a look,” she says. And I swear I see her winking at Jace and playfully biting her lip as she turns to Evren.
I frown.
“That’s fine, but let her choose first,” Luca mutters.
“O-Okay! But feel free to check the men’s collection if you ever feel interested.
Luca just nods and quietly observes the rack of men’s jewelry. Aside from necklaces, bracelets and fancy rings, there are some watches there too. Some of them are even encrusted with diamonds! I wonder if that’s what Jace’s supposed bespoke watches look like.
I stare, amazed.
From the men’s collection, Luca’s eyes turn back to the women’s jewelry. He picks up a diamond-studded necklace with a sapphire pendant in the middle.
“Try this,” he says, holding it out.
I hesitate, then nod. “Okay…”
He steps behind me and moves my hair aside. His fingers brush my neck as he fastens the clasp. His hand settles at my waist. I feel his breath against my skin as we both look into the mirror.
“It brings out your eyes,” he says quietly.
“Hmm…” I swallow. “It’s not bad,” I say, trying to sound casual.
He laughs and turns to Celeste. “We will take this one.”
The staff doesn't respond. I look over and see her standing close to Reed while adjusting a gold chain bracelet on his wrist.
I clear my throat.
But Celeste remains engrossed with Reed, her focus fixed on his wrist as she adjusts the bracelet and lets her fingers linger longer than necessary.
“You have a nice arm, Mr. Aldair. Jewelry like this was made to be noticed by someone who knows how to wear it.”
“Ahem…” I forced a cough again, louder this time.
She finally looks over, her expression sharpening as her gaze lands on me. “Sorry, did you need something?” she asks spitefully.
Heat creeps up my cheeks. I contemplate whether to just walk out of the store right there.
Before I can come up with a decision, Luca reaches up and unclasps the necklace. He places it back in Celeste’s hand.
“Please pack this,” he orders.
Her expression shifts in an instant as she turns to him with a bright smile. “Of course, Mr. Aldair,” she replies sweetly as if she didn’t just give me a stink eye earlier.
Bitch.