After the thunderstorm, the skies above Northcrest were a flawless, brilliant blue.
At the city’s largest shopping plaza, the underground parking lot bustled with activity. A chauffeur stepped out and gingerly opened the rear car door, shielding it with his hand to prevent even the slightest bump.
Heather had already hopped out, hurrying to the other side with her arms outstretched, ready to help Salome as she eased herself from the backseat.
Salome’s pregnancy was impossible to miss now; her bump was already beginning to show.
By all rights, she should have been dressed in something loose and
comfortable–typical maternity wear. But Salome, ever the contrarian, chose
exactly the opposite: whatever outfit accentuated her growing belly the most, that’s what she wore.
She was only a little over three months along, but the way she dressed made her look at least five months pregnant.
Squinting up at her mother–in–law with a sweet, ingratiating smile, Salome stepped out of the car and flattered her, “Mom, you really spoil me. I told you there’s no need to come all the way to such an expensive mall. The prices here are outrageous and hardly worth it, but you insisted on bringing me.”
Despite her words, Salome was actually quite pleased with the choice. Heather controlled most of the Vance family’s fortune. Bennett and his brother each had their own roles in the family business and enjoyed a certain financial freedom, but Bennett had always been the frugal one–never a fan of extravagance, and even less of luxury brands.
To keep up appearances, Salome had spent years pretending not to care for such things, bottling up her desires until the act became exhausting.
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She longed to stroll through shops like a true lady of leisure, swinging a limited–edition designer bag, and sit down for afternoon tea with the city’s elite.
Heather’s eyes never left Salome’s belly. Her smile was radiant with pride. “Silly girl, who else would I pamper if not you? Today I’m taking my precious grandbaby out for some proper shopping. The doctor said it–happy mothers make for healthy babies. All I want now is for you to be cheerful every single day!”
Arm in arm, the two made their way toward the elevator, trailed closely by a pair of
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was as the Vance family treasured this soon to arrive grandchild–nothing was
From the basement, they ascended to the first floor. Salome immediately made a
fox vs almost skipping with excitement. She barely made it a few ANNAN Der Heather caught her by the arm.
Sabre slow down! You’re walking so fast, you’re making my heart race.”
Some stopped, flashed a playful smile over her shoulder, and looped her arm through Heathers. I cant help it, Mom. I’m in such a good mood, I feel like I could
Honestly I’m fine*
Heather chuckled, tugging Salome gently toward Chanel instead. “I heard they’ve got some new bags in the kind you young ladies like. Let me treat you to one.”
Salome’s smile faltered for a split second. Not wanting Heather to notice, she switched expressions as quickly as flipping a mask. “Mom, I’m not that young anymore. Chanel’s for girls just out of college. I’m about to be a mother–it’s not really my style”
Chanel bags were nice, sure, but they were nothing compared to the truly exclusive offerings at Hermès.
Salome wasn’t naive, and neither was Heather. Heather found her own excuse to deflect. “Nonsense. Staying young at heart is what matters, and you’re set on acting so mature! Bennett doesn’t even like women who are too serious,”
Salome’s jaw clenched in frustration, though she forced a smile, Bennett’s tastes were well–known–he’d always disliked flashy displays and expensive indulgences. Right now, keeping both his affection and Heather’s approval was her top priority.
“You’re right, Mom. I am young at heart, and Chanel is actually perfect for me!”
Elsewhere in Northcrest’s biggest mall, Jayne was practically glowing as she led Edith through the entrance.
Edith glanced down at the shopping list in her mother’s hand and let out a resigned. laugh. “Mom, really, we could have just gone to a little place nearby and picked out some simple jewelry. Why come all the way here? If you keep spending so much on me, what’s left for the Sumner family to live on?”
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