2
357words
Since he hadn't yet given up his Grant shares, my financial situation was secure.
I enrolled in a painting class,a lifelong passion.
In my previous "playthrough" of this game,I wanted Julian,but Chloe begged,claiming she adored gentle artists.Reluctantly,I chose Damien,the unstable CEO.Countless nights,I regretted it.
The next day, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt,I hit Silverton’s largest mall for watercolor supplies.
I ran into Chloe, who was flanked by bodyguards,in a pricey dress,hair freshly styled—a stark change overnight.
“Hey,Sophia!Not even a simple hello?Forgotten me in a day?”
She smirked.“After you left,Mother-in-law took me for spa treatments and gave me a black card to shop.Said the CEO’s wife must look the part.”
She eyed my casual outfit.“You’re my sister-in-law now.This look’s a bit…out of place.Want me to treat you to some new outfits?”
“Really?Awesome!”
Expecting me to hesitate or blush,she was taken aback when I agreed,leading her to the mall’s priciest boutique.
“I want that bag.”I pointed to a display’s top shelf.The clerk sneered,“Miss,it’s sold out.Try something else.”
I knew it was a limited-edition bag,one of only five in the entire world.
Chloe sauntered over,rattling off a code.The clerk,suddenly fawning,retrieved it and offered us the VIP lounge.
I declined.“No,I’m in a hurry. Just wrap it up.”
Turning to Chloe, I said, “Bestie,swipe the card.”
Her smile faltered.“Sophia,what’s with the attitude?”
I feigned innocence.“You said I could pick anything.As the CEO’s wife,you can afford a bag,right?”
Shoppers started whispering among themselves, recognizing her as the "Grant CEO's wife."
Chloe lifted her chin.“I can afford it,but with that attitude,I’m not buying.”
Perfect.
I forced tears.“Chloe,we’re best friends and family.Even as the CEO’s wife,you humiliated me.You offered to buy,then backed out to make me beg.Fine,I don’t need it.”
I ran out,sobbing,leaving Chloe amid gossiping onlookers.
Silverton’s elite circles were leaky.This would reach Mrs.Grant,who prized reputation,and she’d discipline her new,embarrassing daughter-in-law.
Last life,I suffered under her.
Walking away,I recalled taking Chloe on a shopping spree with my first black card.I bought her everything.Was she truly happy,or did she think I was flaunting?
