Chapter 2

"Do you like it? If you do, I'll go pay right now," Ruby said.

Kobe didn't answer whether he liked it or not. He just asked hesitantly, "Ruby, you already picked out a 12,800-dollar suit for me. Isn't buying another 3,600-dollar one as a backup a bit excessive?

"Maybe I should just settle for something cheaper. My fiancee is just an ordinary worker anyway. Anything will do."

Despite his words, the reluctance written all over Kobe's face gave him away.

I caught it, and naturally, so did Ruby.

"We aren't settling," she said firmly. "You only get married once. You have to wear what you love so you don't live with regrets."

Ruby handed her card to the sales associate. "Ring up this one together with the 12,800-dollar suit from earlier."

She shot Kobe an affectionate smile. "Professor Boyle has helped me out so much. Gifting you a couple of designer suits is nothing."

As I watched Ruby throw money around without batting an eye, my mind flashed back to the day we picked out my suit.

I had wanted to buy a new one, but Ruby insisted on renting, claiming it was wasteful to buy something I'd only wear once.

I usually deferred to her, but the thought of wearing a secondhand suit for a once-in-a-lifetime event rubbed me the wrong way. So, I had come to the boutique alone, tried on a few options, and sent her photos, pleading with her to reconsider.

Ruby eventually caved, but she still insisted on splitting the bill.

"Mr. Stein, right this way for the paperwork…"

The sales associate's voice snapped me back to reality, which also drew the attention of the two standing nearby.

"Lennon? Are you here to try on suits too?"

The sales associate helping me paused for a moment. Just as she was about to speak, Ruby let out a scoff. "Didn't you just say your mom got into a car crash and you couldn't afford the balance? How'd you magically pull the money together so fast?"

Hearing that, Kobe let out a dramatic gasp. "Lennon, you aren't making up excuses just to dodge the bill, are you?"

Frowning, he put on a troubled look. "No offense, but agreeing to split expenses and then faking a reason to bail right before the wedding is pretty shady.

"My girlfriend and I agreed to split things too, and even though her family is better off than mine, I haven't let her spend a dime on my suit or tie."

He cast a sympathetic glance at Ruby. "I mean, Ruby might be wealthier than my girlfriend, but that's no reason to treat her like an ATM."

As Kobe spoke, Ruby's expression hardened. "Drop it, Kobe. Not every guy is as selfless as you and Professor Boyle."

She shot me a chilling look. "Lennon, don't pull this again."

With that, she grabbed Kobe's arm and led him to the other counter to check out.

"Mr. Stein, so your fiancee is Ms. Gordon? Does she not know you're returning the suit?" the sales associate behind me asked cautiously.

I shook my head. "It doesn't matter anymore. Just process the refund for me, please."