Chapter 431 An Elaborate Ruse
"Oh, incidentally, the attire donned by the Medicis today was all courtesy of Abella. As for the ones you sent..." Maria's voice trailed off suggestively. "You might want to check the seasonal dressing room."From her words, Lola instantly understood. The seasonal dressing room was a place for unwanted, unworn clothes, temporarily stored with the intention of eventually being donated to charity. The room was a vast expanse, spanning sixty square meters, filled with an uncountable number of garments.Lola couldn't help but reflect on her recent visit to the room. She had discovered that the clothes she had painstakingly chosen, even going as far as to hire a designer to create custom pieces for her parents, were all relegated to a forgotten corner. Not a single piece had been worn. The realization left her feeling disheartened.Phillipe's parents were due to arrive that evening. Her beloved parents would be dressed in Abella's designs, not the clothes she had sent. Was this their way of implying her choices were unsuitable for formal occasions?"Lola, do you see the parallel between you and these clothes?" Maria's voice broke through her thoughts. "You hoped to capture the attention of the Medici couple, but they remain indifferent." Lola's gaze dimmed at the harsh truth.A glint of cunning flashed in Maria's eyes. The previous day, she had informed the Medicis that she would iron the clothes Lola had gifted them. With their consent, she had instead hung the brand-new clothes in the seasonal wardrobe, hoping to sow seeds of misunderstanding in Lola's mind.The clothes Lola had sent were primarily black and white. To maintain her ruse, Maria had also retrieved several older black and white pieces Lola had given to the Medicis, making them appear worn. Predictably, the Medicis had no interest in wearing such clothes, asking Maria to add them to the seasonal wardrobe and donate them in the future.
Later, Lola found herself in conversation with Mrs. Medici, who was busily arranging flowers. After some casual chatter, Lola ventured, "Mom, when I was in the seasonal wardrobe earlier, I noticed some black and white clothes I had given you and Dad... Do they not meet your taste?""Oh, those..." Mrs. Medici's face lit up with realization. She recalled Maria's words and offered Lola a smile. "The designs are lovely, but they simply aren't wearable. It's thoughtful of you, dear, but there's no need to spend so much on us.""Why can't they be worn?" Lola pressed."Well... the colors are a bit off; they don't look good when worn." Mrs. Medici seemed puzzled by Lola's line of questioning.The colors are wrong... They don't look good when worn... Lola mulled over her mother's words. Of course, black was considered ominous and not suitable for a festive occasion. But why not save them for another day? Why relegate them to the seasonal wardrobe?Her gaze drifted to Mrs. Medici's vibrant red dress. Surely, this color was more appropriate? Lola was forced to confront the harsh reality: Maria hadn't lied. Her parents had indeed discarded her heartfelt gifts.She had seen her cherished clothes, discarded in the seasonal wardrobe, without any notification. Maria claimed it was the decision of Mr. and Mrs. Medici. Was it her, or her clothes, that this family couldn't accept?She didn't press further. After a few more minutes of idle conversation, she retreated upstairs, her figure seeming a touch more subdued and solitary.
Engrossed in arranging flowers, Mrs. Medici couldn't help but notice that Lola seemed somewhat out of sorts that day. Could it be that Lola was upset because she had chosen to wear the clothes gifted by Abella, rather than those Lola had given her?As this thought crossed her mind, Mrs. Medici called out to Maria, "Maria, have you ironed the clothes Lola gave us?""Mrs. Medici, are you referring to the latest batch from Lola?" Maria replied, her voice echoing through the room. "Lola has been generous with her gifts, and the quality of the fabric is excellent. I was worried about damaging them, so I arranged for your usual company to iron and maintain them all at once. However, they are currently tied up and won't be able to get to them immediately..."Mrs. Medici hadn't anticipated this delay. "In that case, there's no need to iron them. Lola is on vacation at home these days, so I thought I'd wear them..."Maria interjected, "Mrs. Medici, I've already sent them to the company. Should I retrieve them? With Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon visiting frequently, I thought it best to have the clothes ironed. If you need them, I can bring them back..." Maria's voice trailed off, replaced by a sudden yelp of pain.Alarmed, Mrs. Medici rushed to ask, "Maria, what happened?"Maria managed a weak smile, "It's nothing, I just had a little fall today...""When did you fall? Where? Are you alright? Have you seen a doctor?" Mrs. Medici's questions tumbled out, laced with concern.Maria brushed off her worries, "It's nothing, really. I'm just getting old... In another two years, I'll retire and go back home."Once Lola was married and her true identity revealed, Maria would no longer be a servant, no longer subject to humiliation. She would leave the Medici household and live directly with Lola. Mrs. Medici, feeling a pang of reluctance at the thought of Maria's departure, expressed her appreciation for Maria's years of service before ending the call. The issue of the clothes could wait. Mrs. Medici advised Maria to rest, and Maria promptly sent a WhatsApp message to Lola, subtly probing to ensure their scheme remained undiscovered. Lola's unsuspecting response brought Maria a sense of relief.As the clock struck eight in the evening, a servant burst into the room, his face alight with excitement, "Sir and Madam, Mr. Bourbon and Mrs. Bourbon have arrived. They've brought a multitude of gifts!" The sight of eighteen bodyguards carrying in the gifts left everyone in awe of the Bourbons' generosity.The Medicis were about to greet their guests when Lauren ushered Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon into the house."Mr. Medici, how have you been?" Andrew greeted him warmly, his smile infectious as he shook Mr. Medici's hand and embraced him. "I've been in high spirits these days...""Andrew, you're finally back? How long has it been since we last met?" Mr. Medici inquired."Mrs. Bourbon, welcome!" Mrs. Medici enveloped Mrs. Bourbon in a warm embrace, "It's been a while. You look even younger! Despite your travels, you've managed to maintain your youthful glow!"Mr. Medici joined in, laughing, "It must be their blissful marriage..."Mrs. Bourbon returned the compliment, "Mr. and Mrs. Medici, you both look so youthful and vibrant, especially now that your daughter is back home..." The four of them settled into their seats, inviting each other to relax.The eighteen bodyguards brought in the gifts, arranging them neatly to one side."Mrs. Bourbon, anyone who didn't know better would think you were preparing for a wedding. Such generosity!" Mrs. Medici exclaimed.
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