7

Aries and Sasha had been close friends since childhood—some would even say they were childhood sweethearts. But now, all that was left between them was frustration and resentment.

This wasn’t the first time something like this had happened—Aries once again defended Lilian without hesitation, while Sasha ended up taking all the blame.

Sasha was used to this, so she let out a sarcastic smirk. “Why should I apologize? Just because you told me to? Do you really think I’d listen to you?”

She didn’t even listen to her own father—what made Aries think she’d listen to him?

Aries’ temper flared even more when he saw how unaffected Sasha looked. “Sasha, you hurt someone and you won’t even apologize! What happened to your manners? Believe it or not, I’m telling your dad about this!”

Sasha laughed, clearly unbothered. “You’re reporting me? Aries, how old are you? Just a small issue and you're already running to the adults?” She rolled her eyes at Lilian and mocked her directly. “You know what? You’ve really become like her. You’re picking up her pathetic little habits.”

That pushed Aries over the edge. “Sasha, if you have something to say, say it to my face!”

Lilian’s voice was soft, trying her best to be humble. “Aries, let’s just forget it. This was really my fault. I don’t blame Ate for slapping me…”

Sasha smirked. “It was your fault. And if you know you’re wrong, take that dress off. Or have you forgotten it doesn’t even suit you?”

Fear showed on Lilian’s face. She took a small step back and spoke in a quiet voice. “Sasha… I was going to return it to you anyway, but I can’t take it off here…”

Aries’ expression hardened again, and his anger flared once more. “Sasha, you’re a woman too, but your behavior is horrible!”

Sasha didn’t care. She just rolled her eyes at him. “You’re such an idiot, Aries.”

He nearly yelled. “Sasha!”

But Sasha remained calm. Instead of getting angry, she actually laughed at how worked up Aries was. “You’re so frustrating to talk to. Get out of my sight. Every second I spend with you makes me want to puke.”

Aries looked furious, while Lilian seemed on the verge of tears. “Sasha…”

That’s when Eloise finally spoke up. She had been quietly observing from the beginning. “That dress was custom-made for Sasha two months ago. Honestly, she wouldn’t just let anyone wear it. But now that it’s already on you, there’s nothing else we can do. You should just pay for it.”

Eloise knew that even if Sasha loved the dress, she wouldn’t wear it anymore now that someone else had used it first. But that didn’t mean she’d just give it away for free. At the very least, she wanted to get her money’s worth.

Lilian loved the dress. It was obvious she had chosen it carefully and thought it through. So even though she knew it was Sasha’s, she still ended up wearing it.

At first, the saleslady didn’t want to let her try it on. But since Aries was there, the clerk couldn’t say no and handed it over. Lilian knew Sasha would be angry, so she wasn’t surprised when she lost her temper.

That was just the way Sasha was—she never let things slide, no matter how small. And it only made Aries more annoyed with her.

Eloise had seen everything. She understood Lilian’s real reason. So with a slight smile, she turned to Aries and said, “Don’t want to pay up?”

Lilian got nervous under Eloise’s gaze, gripping Aries’ sleeve tightly.

Aries wasn’t short on money, and he would much rather pay for the dress than let Lilian undress in front of everyone. So he asked, “How much?”

Money wasn’t an issue for Sasha either. But the way Aries kept protecting Lilian irritated her more than anything. The dress might’ve been just an outfit to others, but to Sasha, it felt like her pride was being stepped on.

Before she could respond, Eloise leaned over and whispered, “Raise the price. I’ll take care of the dress later.”

Sasha looked at her, then pulled out her phone and flashed a QR code. “Two million.”

Aries glared at her. “Are you serious? That’s ridiculous!”

Sasha gave him a sharp look and smiled. “What? Can’t afford it? Or just don’t want to? That dress was made by a well-known international designer, you know. It’s not something you find just anywhere.”

Lilian immediately tried to speak. “Sasha, I was just trying it on. I was planning to return it, so maybe we can just—”

But Aries cut her off. “We’ll pay. It’s not like I can’t afford it.”

He paid Sasha right then and there. And when Sasha saw the payment confirmation, she finally smiled. Strangely, even with Aries and Lilian in front of her, she didn’t feel angry anymore.

Meanwhile, Lilian felt happy that Aries had spent money on her, but at the same time, guilt weighed heavily on her—he paid such a huge amount. Because of that, she couldn’t fully show how happy she truly was. Still, deep inside, she was annoyed at Sasha. She felt like Sasha took advantage of the situation and shamelessly asked for an outrageous amount.

Sasha cheerfully pulled Eloise aside. “I really thought I’d end up throwing that dress away. I didn’t expect you’d get Aries to buy it—and I made a fortune out of it!”

Even though the dress was custom-made, it didn’t really cost anywhere near two million. In short, she just earned a million without even lifting a finger. Eloise’s way really worked better.

Eloise smiled. “If you always face everything head-on, you’ll lose. It’s better to find another way to win while still keeping your happiness.”

Sasha grinned and nodded repeatedly. While they were shopping for clothes and bags, she suddenly remembered something. “Eloise, didn’t you say you’d get me a dress? What’s that about?”

Eloise had ordered a special dress for Sasha to wear at her grandfather’s 70th birthday next week—a very important event.

Eloise quickly replied, “Don’t worry. I’ve got it covered. You’re going to love it.”

Sasha fully trusted Eloise, so she left everything about the dress to her. After they finished shopping, she even bought a new bag and treated Eloise to a delicious dinner.

On their way out after eating, Eloise passed by a dessert shop. She bought two small cakes and then said goodbye to Sasha before heading home.

Just as she arrived at the house, Jiro was about to leave. He visited every day to report to Cosmo.

He carried himself respectfully. “Madam.”

Eloise paused for a second but then smiled. “Jiro, don’t call me that. You know there’s nothing real between me and Cosmo. If he hears you, he might get annoyed.”

Jiro scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. He understood the situation. Since the two got married, he thought it was only proper to change how he addressed her. But clearly, Eloise had a better grip on reality than he did.

After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Does Mr. Cosmo have any plans of going out? I mean, considering his condition, don’t you think it’s about time he returned to the company, even just to work a little?”

Cosmo had been in an accident six months ago. He was bedridden for three months. Even though his wounds had healed, he still couldn’t stand.

They had already consulted top doctors, but the outlook wasn’t good. There was a big chance Cosmo would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Jiro hesitated before answering, “Sir Cosmo’s doing better now, and the people close to him are already aware of his condition. But knowing something and actually seeing it—those are two different things. I know you understand what I mean.”

Eloise understood perfectly. It’s easy to ignore rumors when you don’t see the eyes staring at you. But it’s a different story when you’re standing in front of people whose looks are filled with pity, regret, or worse—those fake smiles that secretly mock you.

She nodded. “I understand.”

After their brief conversation, Jiro left. Eloise went inside, took off her shoes, grabbed the cake, and headed upstairs to the master bedroom.

The door was shut but not locked. She knocked softly.

Cosmo thought it was Jiro again, so he called out, “Come in.”

Eloise gently pushed the door open and stepped inside. Cosmo wasn’t working—he was sitting in his wheelchair, trying hard to stand up.