Chapter eighty two

Dallas


The car pulled up in front of a shopping mall. Judging by the number of bodyguards trudging around and fleet of luxurious cars in the parking lot, this mall is frequented by wealthy people.

“Are you sure this is where Oliver asked you to bring us?” I leaned over and asked the driver.

“Yes, ma'am.” He replied.

After Lisa blurted out the surprise birthday plan, Oliver thought there was no use keeping the arrangements a secret anymore. Apparently, everyone remembered my birthday, except me.

The three of us decided to do the first thing on ‘Lisa's schedule for Dallas's perfect birthday’ – I didn't make it up, she really drew up a list like that – which was dress shopping.

But while we were debating which boutique to attend, Oliver offered us a solution. His driver would take us to a mall, but if we don't find what we want, he'd take us somewhere else.

I was surprised that Oliver knew about my birthday because I never told him about it. But then I remembered he had an entire file on me before he hired me. He would definitely know my birthday. I just never thought he'd remember, let alone plan a whole surprise for me. It was…sweet.

“Yup, definitely looks like a ‘Oliver-Kang kinda-mall’. Let's check it out.” Heather said.

Heather, Lisa, and I stepped out of the car. Of all the three of us, I felt the most under dressed.

I wore a black top, blue short, and a pair of sneakers. The sneakers weren't worn out like my old sneakers, but they weren't designers either. My hair was pulled into a ponytail, with a few strands on my face.

Lisa was wearing a short gown and heels, highlighting her tall figure. While Heather wore a flowery dress with front slit and a pair of heels.

“Alright, girls. I have our schedule planned. Today is going to be the best day ever.” She said the last word in singsong tone as we walked into the mall. Her face lit up with excitement and I couldn't help the smile that spread on my lips.

“You've repeated it multiple times already, I already have it memorized by heart now.” Heather chuckled.

“Is that so, madam?” Lisa raised an eyebrow and angled both her hands on her hips.

“Dress shopping, spa session, small birthday party with just us girls, venue to be decided later. We'll sing birthday songs– I still don't fully agree with that, I'm twenty five not ten– dance, and have so much fun. Then we'll return home and sleep in the same bed while sharing stories about how amazing today was.” I recited and chuckled.

“But you love birthday songs. We always go to the arcade on your birthdays.” Lisa pouted.

It was on the tip of my tongue to remind her that it's been five years since we celebrated my birthday together, but I kept it to myself. Lisa seem really excited about this and I didn't want to ruin it for her.

Lisa has always been big on birthdays. I don't usually remember my birthdays, but she has never forgotten any of them. And she always make sure I have a memorable one.

I was just looking forward to spending more time with her before she leaves, I don't really care what we do.

“Or should we go to the arcades?” She asked.

“Yes to the birthday songs, no to the arcades. Now, let's go inside. We're standing near the entrance. The security is already looking this way. Let's not get thrown out before we even get to shop.” I turned and strolled further into the mall.

“Pretty sure they can't throw you out for simply standing, but I get your point.” Heather said and followed me.

“Okay so, should we go to the clothing section first or jewelry section?” Lisa asked.

“Jewelry section. We're definitely going to spend a lot of time at the clothing section.” Heather pointed out.

“Agreed.”

We walked towards the jewelry section of the mall. Lisa and Heather tried on some of the jewelries while I marveled at their beauty from their glass boxes. I'm sure they cost a fortune. I checked the price tag for one and my breath hitch. Two thousand dollars for a bracelet?

“Guys,” I called my friends attention. They both strolled towards me, jewelries in hand.

“These are really expensive. Maybe we shouldn't try them on and just find the ones we want to buy.”

They exchanged a look that I don't understand and Lisa smirked.

“You don't have to worry about that, Dallas.” Heather said as she slipped something out of her clutch purse. A black Amex card.

My brows furrowed as I stared it before the realization dawned on me.

“Nope, we're not using his card.” I shook my head.

Heather sighed.
“He knew you'd refuse that's why he gave it to me. He asked me to tell you to consider it as your birthday gift and get anything you need.”

I didn't know what to say to that. I didn't want him to give me things just because he can. It'd look like I was with him for his money. But I can't exactly refuse a birthday gift now.

I gave them a simple nod.

“Good,” she released a breath. “I had a longer argument prepared in my head Incase you stretch it out. He told me to make sure you use the card.”

Lisa snorted beside her.
“Alright, let's shop. But we're not buying very expensive things.” I warned.

They nodded in agreement before strolling off. I resumed admiring the jewelries in the boxes. A particular jewelry caught my eye. It was a black, teardrop necklace with a very beautiful design. It shone brightly in the light and it was almost…purple. I knew immediately that I wanted it.

“Excuse me,” I motioned to the woman behind the counter. She approached me a wide smile on her face.

“I want this. How much is it?” I asked pointing to the necklace.

“Oh, that's a very fine choice, ma'am. It's one of our most sought out necklace. It's only five thousand dollars.”

A slight gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it. Five thousand? I've never purchased something that expensive before. But I wanted the necklace. And unlike a few months back, I can actually pay for it with my own money.

The salaries Oliver insisted on giving me are still lying in my bank account untouched. But it seen unreasonable to spend so much on jewelry. I stared at the necklace longingly, contemplating whether to get it or not.

“You can have the necklace. I'll pay for it.” A feminine voice said behind me.

I turned to the direction of the voice and immediately froze. It took me a minute to collect myself. Jenna Jang was standing a few meters away from me, a bright smile on her lips.

The last time I saw are – aside from on TV – was when she sent Oliver spiraling in the bathroom by touching him. But it was not that memory that caused the current lump to form in my throat, it's how I'm suddenly reminded of how beautiful she is.

“Thank you for offering, but I'm good.” I managed to flash her a smile.

“Oh no, you should have it. I insist. The price is nothing. Won't even put a dent to my account.” She flipped her hair, still maintaining the same elegance and class as she strolled towards me.

I swallowed down the lump in my throat.
“It's not the price I'm worried about. I, too, can afford it. I'm just so wondering if I should get it.”

And definitely considering if the price is worth it. But I didn't say that.

“You should. There's never too much jewelry for a girl. A girly girl, I mean. I don't know about…” she ran her eyes over my body, noting my appearance .

My eyebrows shot up in annoyance. She literally just insulted me.

“And let me get it for you. Consider it a gift from me as we will be living together soon.”

She held up her ring finger and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. I didn't miss the huge diamond ring on her fingers. Message received.

“The marriage seems to be happening sooner than either of us expected.” She sighed as if it was a hassle. “But Oliver and I agreed to take things slow. So you'll be seeing me around a lot soon.” She flashed me the fakest smile ever.

“Anyway, enjoy your shopping.” She said. “Put the necklace on my bill. My assistant will sort it out before I leave.” She said to the attendant.

“Bye.” She waved at me and strolled off, leaving the sound of her clicking heels in her wake.