My Child and I Married a Billionaire novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Casting Pearls Before Swine

Editor: Henyee Translations

While working part-time at DL, Cecelia had met countless male and female models. To hit their monthly targets, they practically lived on alcohol and cigarettes.

Night after night, they moved from table to table, drinking with clients until dawn. Cigarette after cigarette disappeared between their fingers. She’d heard more than once that many of them ended up with serious health problems after only a few years.

She didn’t know how much longer Damien could stay in that line of work. But she genuinely believed he should value every dollar he earned.

Damien hadn’t expected that after all her questions, her final conclusion would be: Save your money. Looking at the sincere concern on her face, he found himself unexpectedly amused. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Alright." He handed her a glass of water. "You’ve lectured me enough." His eyes flicked toward her bandaged foot. "You must be thirsty." Then he added casually, "But you can’t walk around barefoot. I’ll get you a pair of shoes. What size do you wear?"

Drinking water was one thing. Accepting shoes was another. Cecelia wheeled herself forward, picked up the glass, and answered firmly, "I’ll buy them myself."

Damien glanced at her wheelchair. How exactly did she plan to do that? Still, it wasn’t impossible. One level below the hotel was one of Corvane’s most famous luxury shopping centers. The elevator ride took less than two minutes.

The real problem was that, judging by her spending habits, she’d probably refuse to buy anything at all.

Damien had been looking for an opportunity to compensate her. She refused cash, so maybe this would work instead. Ignoring her protest entirely, he said, "Finish your water first."

Once she finished drinking, silence settled between them. They were a man and a woman.

A husband and wife on paper. Alone in a hotel suite.

The awkwardness slowly crept back.

Fortunately, Damien broke it first. "Come with me."

Cecelia blinked. "Where?"

"You’ll see."

Inside the elevator, she watched him press the button for the lower level. She assumed they were heading to the parking garage.

The doors slid open. Light flooded the space before them, and she nearly squinted. Then her eyes widened.

A luxury shopping mall stretched out in every direction. Several stories tall. Sparkling from floor to ceiling. Crystal chandeliers cascaded overhead like waterfalls of light. Glass railings reflected countless glittering displays. Designer storefronts lined the corridors. Every window display looked immaculate.

Elegant. Expensive.

Very expensive.

Cecelia stared. "What are we doing here?"

Damien didn’t answer. He simply pushed her wheelchair forward. A few moments later, they entered a luxury women’s boutique. Even though she’d never owned a designer item in her life, she recognized the brand instantly.

"Wait." Cecelia immediately became alarmed. "We’re buying clothes? No." She shook her head. "I don’t need any."

Damien acted as though he hadn’t heard a word. Turning to a sales associate, he said, "Find a few outfits that suit her. And help her try them on."

Immediately, three sales associates appeared. Within seconds, dresses were being pulled from racks. Recommendations flew from every direction.

Cecelia discreetly flipped over a price tag, and she nearly stopped breathing.

Was that number real?

"I don’t like any of them," she said immediately.

"What about this one?" One sales associate held up a dress excitedly. "This is the same runway design worn by actress Han So-hee during Paris Fashion Week." She smiled proudly. "It’s the only piece available in all of Corvane."

That only confirmed Cecelia’s suspicion. Meaning it was even more expensive. "No, thank you." She forced a smile. "I’ll browse a little more. You can help other customers."

Reluctantly, the sales associates withdrew. The moment they left, Cecelia shot Damien a meaningful look and wheeled herself straight out of the store.

"Why did you bring me here?" Her voice lowered. "This place is ridiculously expensive." She pointed toward the boutique. "One outfit probably costs more than I earn in an entire year. I can’t afford any of this. And I wouldn’t even have anywhere to wear it. Let’s go."

Damien met her gaze calmly. "I’m paying."

Cecelia frowned. "I’m a grown woman with a job. Why would I let you pay for my clothes?"

Damien’s answer came instantly. "Consider it a repayment for saving my life."

Cecelia sighed, "Stop bringing that up. That was years ago. You’ve already helped me more than enough. We’re even." Then she started rolling toward the escalator.

Damien stopped her halfway. "Fine. No clothes. At least let me buy you a pair of shoes."

Unfortunately, the shoes weren’t much better.

Cecelia refused just as stubbornly. "If you really want to help me, take me somewhere normal. It’ll only cost you a little extra time."

CLEARANCE — $20 PER PAIR

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