The late morning sun filtered gently through the glass dome of Celestia Plaza, casting soft glows across the polished marble. Reyan and Lily stepped into the luxurious mall, their steps falling in sync.
Everything here whispered wealth—clean white interiors, fragrance diffusers tucked in corners, ambient jazz music playing softly. Lily looked around like she was walking through a dream.
"You've never been here?" Reyan asked, noticing the quiet awe in her eyes.
She gave a tiny laugh. "I've passed it a few times. Never had a reason to enter."
"You do now."
Lily turned to him, slightly surprised—but her smile said she appreciated it more than words could express.
As they strolled, a sharp window display caught her eye. A simple white dress shirt, paired with a clean-cut charcoal pant. Reyan followed her gaze and raised a brow.
"You think I'd look good in that?"
Lily blushed slightly but nodded. "Better than the shirt you got... bloodied."
He chuckled. "Let's fix that, then."
They entered the store. The shirt and pants fit him well—clean, mature, with just enough edge to hint at ambition. Lily gave him a small thumbs-up as he stepped out of the fitting room. He didn't hesitate before tapping his card at the counter.
As they walked out, the conversation was light, their pace casual, the tension between them slowly melting away.
And then Lily slowed again.
Her gaze lingered on a boutique window—just for a second longer than casual interest. A soft cream-colored handbag sat on an elevated platform under warm lights. Elegant and subtle, just like her.
Reyan noticed immediately.
She blinked, looked away quickly, and walked past. But Reyan had already turned.
He reached for the boutique's door handle and looked back at her.
"Come on."
"Reyan—what are you—"
"Just come."
The boutique welcomed them with soft lighting and the muted scent of vanilla and leather. A professional-looking saleswoman approached within moments.
"Good afternoon. May I assist you?"
Reyan gestured toward the bag. "She liked that one. Show it to her."
The woman's smile deepened. "Excellent taste. That handbag is a limited edition. Only three in the country."
Lily's expression faltered. "Wait—don't. That's way too expensive—"
But Reyan was already stepping closer.
And then came a voice he hadn't heard in a while.
"Well, well. Reyan Hart? You really are out of your mind."
Reyan turned his head.
Damon. And beside him, Selena.
Damon was dressed in a sharp dark green blazer, the kind that screamed power without trying. Selena wore a sleek beige dress and sunglasses she didn't need indoors.
Damon tilted his head. "Acting rich now? Impressing girls with play money?"
Selena clicked her tongue. "Sad, honestly."
Reyan didn't even blink.
He turned to the saleswoman.
"How much is it?"
She answered without flinching. "₲86,000, sir."
Lily stepped forward, gently tugging his arm. "Don't, please. You've already done more than enough…"
Reyan smiled at her—soft and reassuring.
"I want to."
Then he looked at the woman again. "Pack it."
He reached into his wallet and handed his black debit card to the saleswoman without a moment's pause.
Damon laughed under his breath. "Can't wait to see this card bounce."
Selena crossed her arms. "Embarrassment in 3... 2…"
The saleswoman returned moments later, box in hand, a light spring to her step.
"Here you go, sir. The transaction was successful. Thank you for shopping with us."
She handed the neatly wrapped bag to Lily and returned Reyan's card with a respectful nod.
Damon's smile cracked slightly.
Selena blinked, then frowned.
Reyan turned, handing the bag to Lily. She looked down at it, eyes wide, lips trembling slightly.
"This… I…" she whispered.
"It's just a bag," Reyan said softly, "but I knew it belonged with you."
For a moment, her hands clenched the box like it was made of glass. Her eyes glimmered—not with tears, but with something deeper. Gratitude. Emotion. Confusion.
> [Affection Update: Lily Ren – 47/100]
Reyan glanced up, his expression unreadable. He met Damon's eyes briefly. No smugness. No words.
Just a look that said: You're not even on my radar anymore.
Damon narrowed his gaze.
He wasn't the type to throw tantrums. No. He was calculating. This wasn't just luck. There was something behind Reyan now—and Damon intended to find out what.
Reyan and Lily left the boutique without looking back.
Later, at a designer outlet on the third floor, Reyan picked out a deep wine-colored dress. Lily hesitated, tried it on, and emerged looking breathtaking.
The saleswoman told him the price—₲14,000.
Reyan didn't flinch. He smiled and handed her the same black debit card once again.
> [Affection Update: Lily Ren – 50/100]
Now, there was warmth in her smile. Not just surprise—but trust.
They ended up in a rooftop café for lunch. The food was elegant, the view wide, and the silence between them more comfortable than ever.
They talked. Laughed. Shared the little things and their contact information.
But eventually, the day had to end.
"I'll call you a cab," Reyan offered.
"Thanks," Lily said softly.
The car pulled up. Lily hesitated, then leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips. Just a peck.
But it meant something.
"Thank you," she whispered. "Not just for the things... but for how you made me feel today."
Reyan's expression softened. "I'm glad."
She slipped into the car, the door closing with a quiet click. The vehicle rolled away.
Reyan let out a breath and waved for a cab of his own.
There were no classes today. He hadn't been home in two days. It was time to return, even if his life wasn't what it used to be.
He sank into the backseat, the weight of the day settling.
> [You have one unread message.]
The system's voice returned—soft and timely.
Reyan tilted his head back, watching the sun flicker through the windows.
"…What's next?" he murmured.
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