35

The car pulled up to a pavement lined with white marble and gold plated bollards.

Giselle stepped out first, followed by Serayah and Lawrose, who both looked like they were walking toward a firing squad.

She looked up at the sign above the heavy glass doors. It read Opulencia in minimalist black script.

"This is it," Giselle said, adjusting her sunglasses.

They walked inside, the scent of expensive lilies and filtered air hitting them instantly. An attendant in a neatly ironed suit approached them, holding a slim tablet. She smiled, but her eyes were sizing them up.

"Good morning," the attendant said. "Welcome to Opulencia. Do you have a reservation for this morning?"

Serayah blinked, leaning toward Giselle. "Hol’up! Wait. Do people actually make reservations to shop? Is this a boutique?"

The attendant looked slightly confused but maintained her professional demeanor. "Yes, madam. We operate on a strict reservation basis to ensure our clients receive the privacy and attention they require. We are currently at capacity for walk ins."

Lawrose let out a soft, pained moan. He lifted his hand and quickly performed the sign of the cross over his face. "Jesus Christ," he whispered. "Giselle, please tell me you haven't lost your damn mind. We can't afford the air in here, let alone a chair to sit on."

Giselle didn't look at him. She looked directly at the attendant. "Yes. I made a reservation. It should be under the name Hemingway."

The attendant’s posture changed instantly. Her spine straightened, and her smile grew three shades warmer. "Of course, Mrs. Hemingway. Please, right this way. We have been expecting you. Let me usher you into the main pavilion."

As they were led deeper into the store, they passed a few other women browsing the racks.

They were dressed elegantly and dripping in diamonds, the kind of women Giselle used to be afraid to look at in the eye whenever she attended high profiled gatherings with Chase back then.

She stopped walking and turned to the attendant.

"I thought I made myself clear when I called," Giselle said, her voice cool and demanding.

What call? Serayah and Lawrose wondering when she made a call.

"I told your manager that I would be shopping with my friends only. Why are there other people in the showroom?"

The attendant faltered, her fingers hovering over her tablet. "I... I will check the details of your reservation immediately, madam. One moment please."

Serayah and Lawrose lunged forward, grabbing Giselle’s elbows and dragging her back a few inches.

"Giselle, stop it," Serayah hissed. "I don't know what is going on in that head of yours, but we need to leave while we still can. This is too much. You're acting like you have lost your goddamn mind."

"She’s right," Lawrose added, his eyes darting around the room nervously. "I cannot spend a night in jail, Giselle. My skin is too sensitive for prison sheets. Let’s just go to the high street and pretend this place never happened."

Giselle didn't reply. She kept her eyes on the attendant, who was now frantically tapping at her screen.

"My apologies, Mrs. Hemingway," the attendant said, looking pale. "You are quite right. You placed an exclusive shopping reservation. It seems there was a slight overlap in the scheduling. I will rectify this immediately."

The attendant walked over to the other three clients. They heard the muffled sounds of an apology and an explanation. "I am terribly sorry, but a very important person has paid for an exclusive experience this morning. We will have to ask you to move to the lower lounge or return at a later time."

Giselle watched as the women were ushered out, looking offended. For a fleeting second, she felt bad. She knew the old Giselle would apologize and accommodate others. But she pushed it down. She was done being the goody two shoes who apologised for taking up space.

"I hope you have nice things that actually suit my taste," Giselle said to the attendant as she returned.

"I am certain you will love our new arrivals, madam," the attendant replied.

Giselle turned to her friends, her eyebrows raised. "Shall we?"