"Mhm."
As Elias and Sofia stepped into the luxurious store, they were greeted by the scent of expensive perfumes and the sight of designer labels.
A sharp-eyed and impeccably dressed store employee approached them with a warm smile. "Welcome to our store, Sir, Ma'am. Is there anything you're looking for?" she asked, her gaze flicking to the extra-large shopping bags Elias held in his left hand. She quickly deduced they were on a shopping spree.
Although the man wasn't dressed appropriately, that wasn't her business. They are welcome as long as one can spend money in the store.
"We want to try out the beautiful dress in the display window," Elias responded.
"Follow me," the store employee responded, gesturing for them to follow her as she led the way.
"This is a red Alex McQueen off-the-shoulder gown, priced at 4,900 dollars," the store employee said, dramatically touching the gown.
It was a contemporary red gown with a stylish structured bodice and a dramatic, flared skirt.
"That expensive!" Sofia exclaimed. Although she was well-informed about luxury items and their cost due to her meetings with many high-profile individuals at the Celestial Dining, she couldn't claim to know about all of them.
Moreover, the last time she bought a luxury item was five years ago, and it was priced below $1,500, not at $4,900.
"Take it out so she can try it on," Elias responded, his voice laced with confidence.
The employee's eyes instantly shone as she glanced at Elias, immediately suspecting he might be a wealthy family's young heir. She nodded in understanding and gently took the gown from the mannequin.
Sofia turned her attention towards Elias to refuse such a gesture but quickly shut her mouth. Elias's gaze made it clear that he intended to buy the gown, causing Sofia to focus her gaze forward and clench her teeth in annoyance.
Although Sofia could sense the sincerity behind Elias's every word and action, she still didn't want him to spend his money so extravagantly. However, he was making it harder and harder for her to refuse, which left her irritated and annoyed, as she was only doing this for his own good.
'Fine! I will teach you how to value your money and not spend it so extravagantly,' Sofia thought, her expression determined.
Sofia surveyed the store, her gaze halting on a striking dress. "How about that one?" she said, pointing to a blue caped gown adorned with feathers and sequin embellishments.
She remembered seeing it on a patron at the Celestial Dining a few months ago and was curious about its price. If it was expensive, she might just decide to select it. If Elias struggled to afford it, she could use it as a lesson for him—not to measure her kindness toward him by monetary transactions.
After all, she had done everything without expecting anything in return.
As for Elias's inheritance from his parents, she doubted its magnitude. If it were substantial, why hadn't they used it to change their lives and those of their family before they were tragically murdered?
Even if they feared squandering their wealth like so many lucky lottery winners, the least they could have done was help Elias acquire skills or education rather than immediately setting up a trust fund.
A frown creased Sofia's brow as these thoughts crossed her mind, but she pushed them aside to focus on the issue at hand.
The store employee paused in her tasks and turned to follow Sofia's gesture.
Elias also shifted his gaze to where Sofia was pointing.
A flicker of surprise passed through the employee's eyes as she turned back to Sofia. "That's the Valentini Limited Edition Feather-Trimmed Gown, priced at $18,000. There are only 25 pieces worldwide, and this is one of them. In fact, it's one of the most expensive items in our store currently," she said, a smile lighting up her face. She hadn't expected Sofia to notice such an extravagant piece of clothing so quickly.
Nonetheless, even after she mentioned the price, the man's calm demeanour reassured her of his financial capability. If she managed to sell this gown and the one they were purchasing, she would receive a generous bonus for such an impressive sale.
"Do you want that gown too?" Elias asked, turning his attention back to Sofia.
Despite noticing Sofia's glare and the deep frown on her face, Elias couldn't help but smile, attributing it to Sofia finally deciding to choose whatever she wanted and letting him handle the bill.
He inwardly exhaled with relief, exhilarated that he no longer had to persuade Sofia to pick something. He was beginning to get mentally exhausted from all the talking.
In truth, he never expected that speaking with a woman would drain so much energy.
'$18,000 for a gown!' Sofia cursed inwardly. She wanted to bite off her tongue, annoyed at herself for asking such a question. Unless the gown could automatically wash, change colours, and dress her whenever she wanted, she didn't see it worth $18,000.
The sheer audacity of the price was infuriating!
Elias's question only added to her annoyance. Sofia's expression hardened as she nodded firmly. "Yes, I want it," she replied. She had promised herself not to overdo it and was already bracing for the inevitable embarrassment, but she was also determined to teach Elias a valuable lesson today.
Elias smiled, nodding. "If you want it, then we'll buy it." He turned to the store employee. "Please fetch the gown for her so she can try it on," he said.
The store employee was amazed by Sofia's bold words and stunned by Elias's confident assertion. She wouldn't need to work at such a store if she could get a man like this. However, she quickly snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. "I'll be back in a minute," she said before leaving in the direction of the dress.
The store employee quickly returned with the gown and led Sofia towards the fitting room so she could try it on.
Elias remained curious to see if there were any other expensive items he could suggest for her to get.
....
The store employee placed all the items on the table before the cashier while Elias and Sofia stood at the side, waiting to settle the bill.