Tiana's face reddened in embarrassment since she never expected him to ask such a question that made her look like a fool for assuming things. Usually anyone would be honored or delighted to even walk beside her and so she thought he also must feel like that as well.
And seeing how he was asking it with a confused look made her wonder if he was trying to make fun of her or if he was asking genuinely.
"Okay, fine! I guess you don't need me to go back home, hmph. And here, I thought you might find it hard to reach back home since you are new around here," Tiana said in a huff as she walked forward.
Viktor smiled and almost let out a chuckle. But he caught up to her and said in a confused tone, "Hey, why are you angry? I want to come with you."
Tiana's expression became perplexed as she turned around and asked, "Then why did you say you did not want to go with me?"
"Eh? I never did. I only asked because I was surprised by how kind you were. Not everybody is kind enough to be concerned whether I could get back home on my own, especially to me," Viktor said in a stifled voice.
Tiana felt flustered hearing his words since 'kind' was the last thing she expected anybody to compliment her as. Even she didn't feel that she was kind or anything. She only mentioned it since she didn't want Taya to disturb her later if Dorian lost his way or something.
She glanced away and cleared her throat as she said in a wavering voice, "I-It's fine. At least, now you know how kind I am."
Seeing her saying these words with a raised chin, Viktor inwardly chortled, but he said, "Of course."
She, who thought her newfound cousin was a simple-headed guy, now felt that he was even more puzzling to read or understand the intentions behind each and every word of his. It was as if his whole personality...or even his whole existence was a maze since she barely knew anything about him.
As the two entered the building, Viktor and Tiana were immediately received by a pretty and well-dressed lady staff.
With a glance, he could see how well trained and professional every single staff member was in this shop, and even the cool air from the AC inside had a fragrance to it.
The floor was filled with stands, wardrobes, and hangars of various types of clothes separated by categories. But he noticed that the ground floor was mainly clothes for women and even jewelry and other accessories.
He guessed that stuff for him should be on the first floor as he spotted an escalator and even a lift.
The lady staff politely asked, "Welcome, Sir and Madam. How may I be of assistance?" She quickly took note of the designer bag Tiana was carrying and immediately realized that this girl was from a family with very deep pockets.
So she made sure to put on her best smile and be as helpful as possible.
The boy seemed to be dressed in casual clothes without any accessories that were noteworthy. Still, she didn't ignore him since he was accompanying this girl and also due to their company's policy of treating customers.
Tiana looked around as if she was looking for someone. Then she looked at the woman and casually said,"He needs some shirts and jeans of his size, and I will be just looking around," Tiana felt like buying some clothes and other things, but since she had another agenda planned today, she felt that now was not a good time.
Otherwise, she would have surely bought at least five bags worth of clothes and accessories every time she visited such shops.
"Sure. May I know your good names, please?" The lady staff asked.
"Welcome and good morning, Miss Snow!" A middle-aged man in a business suit rushed over as if he didn't dare to walk any slower.
"Mr. Briggs. And here I thought you were not working today," Tiana said as she crossed her arms.
Briggs wished he could at least have the time to wipe the sweat off his forehead but replied with a flattering smile, "Aha, I just had to run back home for an emergency and only just got back today. I hope I am not too late to be of assistance to you, Miss Snow. Forgive my employee here if she didn't recognize you. She is a new intern who just recently joined."
The lady staff had disbelief written all over her face after realizing that Tiana was from the Snow Family and the daughter of the well-renowned Taya Snow, no less.
Before, she was quite puzzled why her usually calm manager rushed forward hurriedly to welcome these two. Only now she saw the whole picture.
And when the manager spoke up for her, she maintained a respectful posture as she fidgeted with her hands around her back in nervousness.
"It's no biggie. It's not like I expect everyone to recognize me. That would be too annoying," Tiana said with a wave of her hands.
Briggs dryly chuckled and then looked at the young man standing beside Tiana, whom he had noticed before, and asked politely, "Good sir, may I know your name?"
"Good morning, Mr. Briggs. I am Tia's cousin. You can call me Dorian. I am here to look for some shirts and jeans," Viktor said with a wide smile.
Briggs raised his brows, hearing Dorian's bright reply, and felt that this boy was quite different from the usual youngsters from affluent families.
He earnestly offered his hand for a handshake as he said, "Good morning, Mr. Dorian. As you know, I am Briggs, store manager of Regent's branch here. Pleased to be of service to you."
Viktor returned his handshake with a smile as Briggs continued, "I will let Clara here help you with whatever it is you need. If you need my assistance, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Of course."
Clara happily gestured to Dorian to follow her as he walked behind her while Briggs tagged along with Tiana to see if she needed anything.
Viktor didn't take much time and soon came down with Clara after picking some clothes. He then spotted Tiana sitting on a chair and trying out some earrings.
Tiana was eagerly trying out a number of earrings placed on the glass before her one by one, trying to see which one was the best by looking in the mirror before her.
"Tia, I am done with picking my clothes," Viktor said as he sat on the chair beside her.
Tiana was busy putting on a pair of earrings and then looked at Dorian as she asked with a smile, "Tell me. Do these look good on me?"
Viktor tilted his head and answered after a few moments of staring at her, "No. They look quite ugly."
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150 votes = 1 Bonus Chap
200 votes = 2 Bonus Chaps
300 votes = 3 Bonus Chaps
500 votes = 4 Bonus Chaps
750 votes = 5 Bonus Chaps
1k+ = 14ch/week ;)