Summer’s POV
“You guys, I swear my mom is going through menopause or somethi, Ruby groaned, stabbing at her salad with unnecessary force. “This is a legitimate career, okay? But you know what she said? She said reporting doesn’t pay enough and it’s too dangerous–that it’s a job for men. Seriously? It’s 21st century, for God’s sake! Are women still not allowed to be journalists?
AV
I exchanged a knowing glance with Scarlett across the table. Ruby had been ranting about her mother’s disapproval since we sat down for lunch.
“What?” Ruby caught our silent exchange, her fork pausing midway her mouth..“Why are you two looking at each other like that?”
“I was thinking we could do some shopping after lunch. What do you say?” I said quickly, taking a sip of my sparkling water.
Ruby narrowed her eyes, clearly suspicious of my abrupt change of subject, but Scarlett jumped in to help.
“Great idea!” Scarlett said brightly. “Ruby, no offense, but Summer and I both agree that your outfit today is… well, a bit underwhelming.”
Ruby looked down at her ensemble–practical khaki pants, a black turtleneck, and a worn leather jacket that had seen better days. Her short, efficient haircut completed the look of someone who prioritized function over fashion. “What’s wrong with my clothes? I think I look fine.”
“Fine for covering a war zone,” I teased. “But we’re in Manhattan, not Mogadishu.”
“Whatever,” Ruby rolled her eyes, though I could see the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Not everyone needs to dress like they’re waiting for the paparazzi.”
“It’s your birthday next month,” I reminded her. “Early present from us. No arguments.”
Ruby sighed dramatically but didn’t protest further. Instead, she leaned forward, her reporter instincts kicking in. “Speaking of paparazzi, what’s this I hear about your husband and Victoria? I just got back and people are already gossiping about it. Are those people blind? Like, does Brandon really seem like the type who’d go for someone like Victoria?”
My stomach tightened automatically at the mention of the rumors, but I kept my expression neutral. “That’s old news, Ruby. You’re really behind. It’s basically resolved now.”
*Seriously?” Ruby’s eyebrows shot up. “Just like that?”
“Just like that,” I confirmed, signaling for the check. “Brandon handled it.”
“But still, that’s your sister hooking up with your ex, and now she’s trying to get with your current-”
“We should get going if we want to beat the crowds,” Scarlett cut in smoothly, placing a hand on Ruby’s arm. “The sales won’t wait for us.”
Half an hour later, we were strolling through the Diana flagship store. The place was crowded with post–holiday shoppers, but not uncomfortably so.
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“Hoty shit!” Ruby whispered as we walked past racks of clothing with price tags that would make most people faint. Are you seriously buying me something from here? This is Brandon’s brand, right? You’re such a boss lady now.”
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Chapter 313.
I smiled, not bothering to correct her assumption about my official connection to Dlana. Technically I wasn’t the boss lady yet–at least not publicly–since nobody knew about my marriage to Brandon
A saleswoman spotted us imme lately, her eyes lighting up when she noticed I was wearing one of their new collection pieces. She Swept over, perfect smile in place.
“Welcome to Diana! How may I assist you ladies today?” she practically sang, eyes darting between us but lingering appreciatively on my outfit.
Ruby stiffened beside me. “We’re just browsing, thanks.”
Once we were out of earshot, she leaned close to me. “Look, these clates are gorgeous, but not really my style. Can we maybe check out something more… me?”
The saleswoman caught her words and discreetly moved to help other customers. I sighed. “Ruby, how are we supposed to shop if you keep scaring off the help?”
Ruby just shrugged, unapologetic. “I don’t need someone hovering while 1- Her expression suddenly darkened. “Oh, crap.‘
“What I turned to follow her gaze, and my heart sank. “You’ve got to be kidding
Victoria had just walked in, surrounded by a group of older women. Alexander’s mother Nancy was with her, along with what looked like four or five of their friends. Sophie, Victoria’s assistant, trailed behind them carrying several shopping bags already. Victoria was playing the perfect daughter–in–law, all smiles and attentiveness, though I could tell from twenty feet away it was all for show.
“Let’s get out of here,” Ruby muttered, already turning toward the exit.
Too late. Victoria had spotted us.
I watched as her eyes widened in recognition, followed by a calculated smile spreading across her face. She leaned over to whisper something to Nancy, whose expression shifted from relaxed to slightly uncomfortable as she glanced our way.
I knew that look. Nancy had always been kind to me when Alexander and I were together. She’d baked me cookies when I visited. But after Alexander left me for Victoria, she’d grown distant, clearly influenced by her husband’s preference for the new match.
Victoria gracefully detached herself from the group and headed straight for us, dragging Nancy along beside her.
“Nancy, look! It’s my sister Summer. You remember her, don’t y
t you?” Mictoria’s voice was syrupy sweet, loud enough for everyone
nearby to hear.
Nancy looked distinctly uncomfortable. “Of course, your sister. We’ve met before.”
Victoria beamed at me, though her eyes remained cold. “Summer! What a coincidence. Are you shopping too?”
“Clearly” I replied evenly. “Are you out with your mother–in–law?”
“Yes! Nancy and her friends were feeling cooped up at home, so I offered to take them shopping.” Victoria gestured grandly toward the women who were now browsing through racks of designer clothing. “I just told them I’m treating them all to outfits. Isn’t that fun? Since you’re here, why don’t you join us? It’s been forever since we’ve shopped together as sisters. If you see something you like, just tell me it’ll be my treat.”
I nearly laughed out loud at her transparent attempt to flaunt her new status. This was classic Victoria–making sure I knew <* married into money, the very family that was supposed to have been mine. She clearly thought this would hurt me, that I’d jealous of her success in snagging my ex–fiancé.
But the truth was, I couldn’t care less. Alexander wasn’t mine anymore, and honestly, I wasn’t sure he ever truly had been. What
had
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Chapter 313.
Victoria didn’t understand was that when something isn’t truly your you don’t miss it when it’s gone.
“That sounds great,” I replied with a smile that seemed to catch Victoria off guard. She had clearly been expecting resistance or
discomfort.
I gestured toward Ruby and Scarlett. “But since my friends are with me, wouldn’t it be fair to include them in your generosity too?”
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