Chapter 46 Don't Recognize Your Husband Anymore?
A wave of panic washed over Lilian, her muscles instinctively tensing in preparation for a fall, a response honed by years of dancing. As she twisted her waist to stabilize herself in mid-air, a large hand firmly grasped her waist. Before she could react, she felt herself being lifted off the ground, her body suddenly weightless.
Looking up in astonishment, she found herself staring into the face of the man who had been absent for a week. The mall lights danced off his neatly combed hair, casting a dazzling glow around him. He was clad in a black shirt, a silver-gray striped tie, and a suit that was far from conventional, specially designed to enhance his noble aura. The silver brooch and matching silver dial he wore only served to further distance him from the common crowd.
Lilian found herself frozen in his hold, her mind struggling to process the situation. His voice, a soft whisper in her ear, jolted her back to reality. "So? Have you been away from home so long that you don't recognize your own husband?"
Husband? The word echoed in her mind. It was the first time she had heard him refer to himself in such a manner, and it left her blushing and feeling somewhat adrift. It wasn't until she noticed the cold sarcasm in his eyes, rather than flirtation, that she reacted.
With a forceful push, she freed herself from his hold, landing back on the ground. "Indeed, I don't recognize you. After all, someone is dressed like a good person today," she retorted. Jackson's laughter rang out, a reaction to her words that left her puzzled. He had just saved her, and she was implying he was usually not a good person?
"So you can't even walk anymore, only your mouth still functions normally. We are husband and wife, if I'm not a good person, then you aren't either." His words left her frowning, even as he steadied her before releasing his hold.
"Sir... everyone is waiting," Terry's respectful reminder broke the tension. Lilian's gaze followed Jackson's to the entrance of the shoe store, where two rows of well-dressed elites stood, their attention focused on them. Despite being younger than most, Jackson's aura of leadership was undeniable, his status clearly more respected than theirs.
Lilian felt her cheeks heat up as she wondered if they had overheard their exchange. She lowered her head, avoiding their gazes. Jackson turned to the store manager, his voice firm as he instructed, "The ground was cleaned up and the designated mat was placed in the shoe trial area, eliminating any safety hazards." The manager nodded, busily taking notes.
With a final glance at Lilian, Jackson turned and left, the group of elites quickly surrounding him. Despite the earlier incident, his thoughts remained focused, his tone sharp as he critiqued the store's investment and advertising strategies.
As the group moved away, Shirley rushed over, grabbing Lilian's hand and whispering, "I have to say, Jackson is really impressive. Just his presence earlier, I didn't even dare to approach. He would be perfect if he didn't like that lover of his."
Lilian sighed, "Why do I feel like you're scolding me?"
Shirley rolled her eyes, "Come on, has he been interested in you lately? Does it look like you two have a relationship? You live with me and I have no idea."
Lilian remained silent, her mind whirling with thoughts. "Is this department store owned by the Frane Group?" she asked, her attention returning to the shoes she was trying on. She had hoped for a peaceful shopping trip, but it seemed that today, peace was not on the agenda.
A voice, dripping with sarcasm, echoed from behind. "It's quite absurd, really. Some people strive so hard to marry into affluence, yet they can only afford to shop at mediocre shoe stores. They seem to have no qualms about shaming the Frane family."
Lilian lifted her gaze and swiveled around, finding Wendy and Jenny Frane standing side by side.
It was Jenny who had just insulted her.
She was the daughter of Jackson's uncle and held the sixth position in Jackson's generation.
Before Lilian's arrival into the Frane family, Jenny had been the youngest and the only girl, always basking in favoritism.
She reveled in her unique status, but once Lilian was adopted, she became the seventh child in line. Even though Lilian didn't change her surname to Frane, she still held a place in the Frane family's hierarchy, with Jackson as her protector.
If Jenny had something, Jackson would ensure Lilian had it too.
And what Jackson offered was often superior to what the Frane family provided for Jenny.
How could the aristocratic Miss Fu bear this?
Consequently, Lilian had been the object of her envy since childhood. This was also the reason why Jenny and Wendy became friends.
"If you fancy the shoes here, sister, feel free to choose any pair you like. I'll buy them for you. They're not expensive anyway," Wendy sauntered over, her voice laced with arrogance.
It appeared she had already forgotten about the slap she had received.
Lilian waved her hand dismissively at the salesperson. "Bring a pair of every shoe size from these two rows. She'll foot the bill."
She gestured towards Wendy, whose smile vanished instantly. "Sister..." Shirley rolled her eyes. "If you can't afford it, then keep quiet. I really can't stand people who boast about things they lack."
"It's not that I can't afford it, or that I don't want to pay for my sister. It's just that there are so many shoes, and my sister can't possibly wear them all. It's such a waste..."
"Didn't you tell me to pick whatever I like? I chose them, whether I want to wear them or use them to slap faces. What's the issue? Have you forgotten the pain from last time? Didn't you get enough beating then?"
Wendy suddenly recalled the injuries Lilian had inflicted on her with a broomstick. It had taken a week for the swelling to subside. She took a step back, her expression sour.
Shirley promptly picked up a shoe and feigned a slap with it. "You know, the rebound of this shoe is quite impressive. It must hurt a lot when it hits someone's face."
Wendy recoiled in fear, and Jenny stepped forward in anger. "Who are you threatening!?"
"Whoever responds, we'll confront them. Why ask when you already know the answer?" Shirley rolled her eyes.
Jenny's anger flared, and she swung her bag, ready to retaliate. Wendy held her back. "Forget it, Jenny. Since my sister doesn't appreciate my goodwill, let's go to the store across the street and continue our shopping spree. Choose a few bags, and I'll treat you."
She tugged at Jenny and turned to leave, but Shirley couldn't resist whispering to Lilian. "Is she too wealthy or just foolish? Can't she feel discomfort without gifting someone something?"
Lilian shrugged her shoulders, but Jenny overheard and spun around, her chin raised defiantly. "What do you know! Brother Jackson came to inspect the mall today and already said that anything Wendy likes will be paid by him. Not to mention a few bags, even if I choose a lot, Wendy can afford it."
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