Barking up the Wrong Tree

My marriage to Christina Wellington was basically set after I brought her home to meet with my grandpa, George Bellway. After the dinner, she drove me in the Rolls-Royce—a gift from Grandpa—to a new apartment complex nearby. We were looking to purchase our newlywed home.

When we arrived at the sales gallery, I held the car door open for Christina like a gentleman. Then, I walked behind, holding all her stuff for her.

Christina had confided in me before, saying she was insecure. That was why I gave her all my love.

The realtor hurried over when he saw us, only to treat me like I was invisible. When we brushed shoulders, he said snidely, "The guy who holds her bag… Can you please stay away from us?"

I checked his name tag. It read "Luxury Apartment Realtor: Shane Moss".

Shane put on a look of contempt when I studied him. He mocked me under his breath, "Some people really think they're rich when they put on a fake watch. You're just a minion who holds Ms. Wellington's bag. Ugh, I'm speechless."

I inhaled sharply. Before I could retort, Shane bumped into my shoulder again and left.

When I collected myself, I realized that the arrogant Shane was now standing before Christina with a gentle smile. He was trying to cozy up to her.

Shane enthusiastically introduced the apartment to Christina, all while trying to inch closer to her.

I immediately understood what was happening when I looked at her. I had spent the night before shopping for luxury clothes and accessories for Christina just so she could leave a good first impression on Grandpa, who had just returned to the country a few days ago.

It was understandable that service professionals like Shane would judge their customers based on their outfits.

Of course Shane would want to cozy up to Christina, who was dressed in a luxury outfit paired with an eye-catching diamond necklace. After all, the huge commission for every unit he sold in this apartment—built on the most valuable land in the city—was enough to sustain him for a few years.

Upon seeing me, Christina immediately took a few steps backward to put a distance between herself and Shane. She tenderly called to me, "Zachary, come over now."

Shane turned and shot me an uneasy look. "Oh, Mr. Zachary Bellway? I didn't know you were with Ms. Wellington. I'm really sorry. I mistook you as her staff because you were wearing that fake luxury watch.

"Well, you know, we've had many 'millionaires' decked in fake luxury brands coming in for apartment viewing. That's why I—You're not mad at me, are you?"

He just called my watch, a gift from Christina, a knockoff. Only Christina would know whether or not I was faking my wealth.

Looking awkward, Christina immediately changed the topic. "Zachary, I like the area. The apartment is near your family home too. Shall we take a look?"

I refused to acknowledge Shane after how badly he treated me earlier. Walking past him, I went up and stood beside Christina. "There's only so much you can glean from an introduction. Let's check out the show unit for now."

She held my arm softly. "Of course. Anything you say."

When we were waiting for the elevator, Shane fixed his eyes on Christina. He simpered. "Oh, Ms. Wellington, you're young and successful. Just by looking at you, I assume you must be a company CEO of some sort."

Flashing him a polite smile, she replied flatly, "No, I'm not really a CEO."

Shane straightened his tie after Christina smiled at him. "Ms. Wellington, you're too humble. You must be very talented and successful to afford a Rolls-Royce at such a young age."

I let Christina drive the Rolls-Royce because she told me she had never experienced driving one. Never had I imagined that Shane would misunderstand the situation.

When the elevator doors slid open, Shane shot me a disdainful look. Taking a deep breath, he forcefully squeezed himself between me and Christina to keep us apart before trotting out behind her.

He stomped on the back of my foot with his low-quality leather shoes when he squeezed me out of the way. I instantly yelped in pain. "What are you doing?"