Alicia’s POV

As we stepped onto the floor, a sales assistant gave us a quick once-over before greeting us with a warm smile. She eagerly began recommending the store’s latest bestsellers.

Sophie and I each picked out two outfits and headed into the fitting room.

"As expected of Alicia—your taste is flawless. These fit like a dream!" Sophie gushed dramatically, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The sales assistant, still brimming with enthusiasm, encouraged us to try on even more pieces.

I selected two additional outfits, and when it was time to pay, I reached into my wallet. Just as I was about to swipe my card, my gaze fell on a black card tucked neatly in the corner. I paused for a moment before pulling it out.

"Use this," I said, handing it over.

The cashier accepted it with noticeable care, her attitude instantly becoming more respectful.

"Oh my God!" Sophie shrieked, loud enough to draw attention. "Alicia, is that an unlimited credit card? Rich lady, take me with you! Please sponsor me!"

I walked over to her and gently lifted her chin with my index finger. "Beauty, ten thousand for one night. Would you spend the night with me?"

"Forget one night—I’d give you the whole night," she shot back with a mischievous grin.

"Haha, get lost."

We strolled around the fourth floor, picking up a few bags and some jewelry. Eventually, exhaustion caught up with us, and we headed to a restaurant on the fifth floor for a meal.

Afterward, we went up to the sixth floor to watch a movie. By the time it ended, it was already 5 p.m., so we decided to have dinner.

Sophie chose a newly opened Italian restaurant just downstairs.

On our way there, I spotted a familiar figure near the entrance.

I froze.

When he looked up, our eyes met—and he seemed just as surprised.

Alexander.

Then I saw Lilian standing beside him.

My chest tightened, my expression going rigid.

My gaze fell on the watch on Lilian’s wrist—it was identical to the one Alexander had given me after returning from his business trip.

The sight stung.

So this is how it is.

I should have known. How could Alexander have thought of getting me a gift, especially after Lilian returned? I was nothing more than an afterthought.

He hadn’t even bothered to choose something different—just the exact same one.

So careless. So dismissive.

A sharp pain twisted in my chest.

I quickly lowered my gaze, forcing myself not to look at them again. My arm instinctively nudged Sophie.

Third-Person POV

Sophie noticed the couple standing not far away, and the smile on her face instantly faded, replaced by a cold, disdainful look.

They walked over.

"CEO Blackwood."

Alexander gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, his expression indifferent.

So, today’s meeting hadn’t been arranged with Aiden after all—it was with Sophie, Alexander realized.

"Alicia, Miss Sophie," Lilian said, clearly surprised to see them. She quickly added, a hint of panic in her voice, "Alicia, I didn’t expect you to be here. I’m sorry, I—Alexander and I..."

Alicia’s gaze lingered on Lilian. When Lilian had first returned, she had seemed gentle, calm—almost unremarkable. But now, something about her had changed. It was subtle, yet unmistakable... as if she already knew about Alicia and Alexander’s marriage.

Alexander noticed Lilian’s unease under Alicia’s gaze and felt a pang in his chest. Lilian didn’t want to be separated from him, yet morally, she saw herself as the other woman. The guilt was clearly consuming her, making everything worse.

"You don’t need to explain," Alicia cut in, her voice steady and firm. "Go ahead. We won’t disturb you."

She took Sophie’s hand, ready to leave.

Sophie, however, stopped. With a bright smile, she asked casually, "Miss Summer, who did your makeup today? It looks lovely."