The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 24

"Dr. Zimmerman, you'll actually wear it, right?"

Miles didn't answer. As he took the bag, his fingers brushed against the back of her hand, sending a flash of warmth over his skin.

Claire held up her phone. "I just transferred the remaining thousands of dollars to you. Make sure you check it. And truly, thank you so much for stepping in to help me out."

"I was wondering if I could buy you dinner to show my appreciation? I know a fantastic private restaurant. The food is incredible."

She was standing too close, her scent invading his space. Miles took a subtle half-step back and gave a single nod. "Okay."

It was just one word, but Claire almost thought she had misheard him. The corners of her lips curved upward, unable to hide the excitement in her eyes. "I'll make a reservation right now."

"No rush. We need to hit the mall first." Miles gestured for her to get in the car.

At a high-end luxury shopping center in the heart of the city.

Following behind Miles, Claire stopped in front of an upscale jewelry boutique.

She looked up at him, a bit bewildered.

Miles lowered his voice. "I didn't return the hairpin I borrowed from you last time. Go inside and pick whichever one you like. I'm paying."

Claire's heart skipped a beat.

She hadn't expected him to actually remember that.

"Then thank you, Dr. Zimmerman!" Claire didn't refuse. A little give-and-take was exactly what was needed to push this relationship forward.

The two walked into the boutique, and a sales associate immediately rushed over to greet them.

Claire scanned the displays. Even though it was silver jewelry, the craftsmanship made every piece far more expensive than solid gold.

She sighed internally. The cost of this give-and-take was getting a bit steep.

The associate picked out a few pieces and helped Claire try them on.

"Miss, every single one of these looks absolutely stunning on you. Which one do you prefer?"

The designs of the hairpins were so unique that Claire found herself hesitating.

Miles stood beside her, his gaze resting on her hair. His face revealed nothing, but his dark eyes seemed even deeper than usual.

Her hair looked so soft, just like her...

"No need to choose. Box them all up." Miles pulled out a bank card.

Claire never expected to run into them here.

She remembered what Jefferson had said behind the screen at the restaurant: 'She won't know.'

It was laughable. Once the wedding ring was on his finger, how could she possibly not know?

But in the end, Jefferson probably didn't even care if she knew. He was just hiding it for as long as he could, convinced that even when she found out, she would never leave him...

Once the hairpins were bagged, Claire immediately turned to go, wanting to avoid unnecessary drama.

"I'm starving. Let's go eat."

Miles gave a neutral nod.

Claire pulled up the navigation on her phone and guided him to the private restaurant she had booked.

As he was parking the car, Miles suddenly spoke. "What is your relationship with Yvonne and Jefferson?"

Claire's hand paused as she unbuckled her seatbelt.

So he had seen them just now.