Chapter 21 The Shameful Existence
When Frederick stepped out of the bathroom, Rebecca had already changed and even styled her hair.
Their eyes met, and while Frederick's gaze was calm, Rebecca looked uncomfortable. She hurriedly muttered, "I'll be ready soon," and dashed back into the bathroom.
As the sound of running water filled the room, Frederick breathed a sigh of relief.
He couldn't help his feelings.
Luckily, he hadn't scared her.
They left the house at seven, with the morning light just beginning to break.
Elizabeth had been waiting in the living room for quite a while.
Seeing Frederick and Rebecca walk in hand in hand, Elizabeth greeted them with a warm smile.
The three headed straight outside, where the Maybach sped towards downtown.
Though they called it breakfast, it was practically lunchtime.
Sipping coffee and nibbling on delicate pastries, Frederick's expression softened bit by bit as he watched Rebecca charming Elizabeth with her lively conversation.
Elizabeth noticed and felt even more at ease.
"It's almost noon, perfect time for my nap..." Elizabeth chuckled as she stood up and gestured to the driver waiting by the restaurant door. "The driver will take me home. It's the weekend, you two should go shopping and enjoy yourselves. No need to keep me company."
Elizabeth left decisively.
Rebecca glanced at Frederick, feeling a sudden awkwardness in the air.
"Let's go..."
Frederick paid the bill and led Rebecca to the mall.
Rebecca assumed Frederick needed to buy something for himself and was prepared to play the role of a praising companion.
To her surprise, Frederick took her to the women's clothing section.
Rebecca had no idea when he had arranged it, but the entire department was prepared to serve her like a princess.
From hats and shoes to intimate apparel, everything was ready in her size, just waiting for her to try on.
"Frederick..." Rebecca tugged at Frederick's sleeve and whispered, "I don't need more clothes. I have winter wear in my dorm, and plenty at home too. It's more than enough."
Besides, taking two weeks off school, everyone probably knows her family went bankrupt by now.
Being flashy when she should be low-key would only fuel gossip.
Less is more!
Frederick could tell what she was thinking from her hesitant expression. He spoke firmly, "Rebecca, in school, you're Rebecca. But outside of school, you're Mrs. Windsor!"
Rebecca understood.
Mr. Windsor was always impeccably dressed from head to toe; how could he allow Mrs. Windsor to look shabby?
After a moment of silence, Rebecca turned and went into the fitting room.
By the time they returned to Pinewood Mansion, it was already dusk.
Dinner was ready, and Rebecca quickly finished eating before heading upstairs to pack her suitcase.
Clothes to change into.
Snacks for her roommates.
She packed a large suitcase with various items and had just reached the stairs when Frederick took it from her.
The Maybach sped towards Empire University, the car interior eerily quiet.
Rebecca glanced back and saw Frederick's sullen face, as if he were angry.
She frowned slightly.
Aside from the small mishap in the morning, she had gone along with him all day without upsetting him.
Pinewood Mansion was only about ten minutes from Empire University.
The car stopped at the west gate, and Rebecca quickly spoke up, "You don't need to get out. I can handle the suitcase."
She hurriedly got out of the car.
It was dinner time, and the campus was bustling with energetic students.
Rebecca, petite among the crowd, walked quickly with her suitcase, afraid he might follow her.
Thinking about how she didn't want to be seen with him, Frederick's already dark expression grew even darker.
He watched her disappear through the gates before turning the car around to head home.
The heavy slamming of the car door and the mansion door signaled his foul mood, like an enraged beast, Frederick went straight to his bedroom.
As he pushed open the door, his eyes landed on the gift box on the nightstand.
Frederick's gaze softened slightly.