**Chapter 24**
As the waitress brought their meals to the table, the atmosphere between Stella and Theodore was light and playful. Their laughter mingled with the clinking of cutlery, creating a warm, inviting ambiance that enveloped them like a comforting blanket.
Once they had savored their dinner, a sense of adventure sparked in Theodore’s eyes. “How about we hit the mall?” he suggested, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. Stella raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Theodore’s mother’s birthday was fast approaching, and he had yet to find the perfect gift. He needed Stella’s input, and since they both had a free afternoon, it seemed like an ideal plan.
“Sure, I could use a little walk,” Stella replied, a smile creeping onto her lips. The thought of strolling through the mall, letting the food settle, was appealing.
Theodore maneuvered his car into the underground parking lot, the engine purring to a halt. They took the elevator up, the soft music playing inside the lift creating a pleasant backdrop for their chatter.
Upon entering a jewelry store, they were greeted by a sales assistant whose eyes widened slightly at Theodore’s presence. He exuded an air of sophistication, his attire impeccable, while the watch on his wrist gleamed with a price tag that could buy a small house.
The sales assistant couldn’t help but let out a quiet sigh, pondering how a man of such wealth and charm could be with someone as seemingly ordinary as Stella. They appeared to belong to entirely different worlds, and she found it baffling. The tastes of the affluent were often a mystery.
Despite her unspoken judgments, the sales assistant maintained a professional demeanor. “Welcome! Please, make yourselves comfortable,” she said, gesturing toward a plush couch. She laid out an exquisite selection of jewelry, each piece glimmering under the soft lights, prices soaring into the six and seven-digit ranges.
Theodore picked up a stunning pearl necklace, its luster captivating him. He examined it closely, appreciating its elegance. Meanwhile, Stella’s eyes were drawn to a sapphire necklace that seemed to radiate warmth. “I think this one would be perfect for your mother,” she suggested, holding it up for Theodore to see. “Take a look.”
Theodore placed the pearl necklace back down and accepted the sapphire from her hands. The sales assistant seized the opportunity to delve into the details of the necklace, explaining the intricate design and the quality of the materials used.
Theodore nodded, his gaze still fixed on the sapphire. “It does have a certain charm. Let’s go with this one,” he decided, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “And pack it along with the pearl necklace, please.”
“Of course! Just a moment,” the sales assistant replied, her fingers deftly gathering the jewelry and placing it into a velvet-lined box. Theodore stood up to settle the payment, his movements confident and assured.
As the sales assistant meticulously wrapped the necklaces, Theodore took the bag and turned to Stella, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Ready to go?”
Stella hummed affirmatively, but as she stood, she realized her shoelaces had come undone. She felt a twinge of embarrassment, her cheeks warming slightly.
Theodore, ever observant, noticed the loose laces as well. Without hesitation, he placed the bag down on the coffee table and knelt before her. “Here, let me help you with that,” he offered, his tone gentle.
Stella felt a flutter of gratitude as he expertly tied her shoelaces, his fingers brushing against her ankle. The sales assistants in the shop exchanged glances, marveling at the way Theodore treated Stella with such care. It was a pity, they thought, that she didn’t dress to match his wealth, for she was undeniably his wife.


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