chapter412

Lucinda was completely obsessed with the dress. She loved it so much that, for a moment, she actually forgot the promise she'd made to herself before coming here. She had sworn she wouldn't spend another cent at LYLX. So much for that.

"Hurry up, hold my purse," she said, shoving her purse into the hands of a nearby sales associate. She felt almost frantic, like if she waited even a second longer, her common sense would kick in and she'd walk away. If she thought about Lydia for even a second, she might lose her initiative.

But this dress was just... perfect. Every little detail fit her style exactly. She couldn't help herself.

*Just one,* she told herself. *Only this one, I swear. It doesn't count if it's just one. I'm just being a good little sister and supporting Lydia's business. Besides, if no one buys the new collection she worked so hard on, wouldn't that be awful for her?*

"Miss Norwood, the fitting room is ready for you."

Thanks, Lucinda replied, heading straight for the fitting room.

Paige watched her go and laughed. "Told you. One look and she'd be hooked."

The sales associate grinned. You and Miss Norwood both have amazing figures. When you wear something Miss L designed herself, it's honestly hard to look away."

Paige laughed. "Your boss really taught you all how to make a girl feel good. Go ahead and wrap this one up for me and bring me another to try on."

"Of course."

Lucinda had started out telling herself she'd only buy one thing. But anyone who's ever gone shopping knows how that goes. Once she started looking at the clothes, the bags, the shoes, the jewelry... it was impossible to stop.

In less than an hour, Lucinda and Paige were loaded up with shopping bags, personally escorted to their car by the sales staff. Each of them had spent over three million. And that was Lucinda holding herself back.

She knew she'd totally broken her own rule. Next time, she had to be stronger. She could always justify it by telling herself she was helping Lydia O Fashion was so competitive these days. If Lydia's new pieces didn't sell, it would be such a blow to her reputation as Miss L.

Lucinda, I actually think Miss L's fall collection is incredible this year, Paige said. "There were a few more pieces I thought would look amazing on you. Why didn't you get them?"

Lucinda shrugged. "I want to try some other brands for a change. I've worn LYLX every year. I'm kind of bored of it."

Paige stared at her. "Seriously? Miss L's number one fan is actually tired of her?" Lucinda bit her lip. *If only you knew... it's because of Lydia that I'm done.*

As they chatted, a familiar black Rolls-Royce slid past them. Paige's eyes widened. Lucinda, isn't that Connor's car?"

Lucinda saw it too, but the car didn't even slow down before disappearing down the street. They were standing in a spot where it was impossible not to see them, even out of the corner of your eye.

"Maybe Connor wasn't in the car?"

Paige said, confused. If he was, surely he would have noticed.

Lucinda was his fianc e, after amet

People say you can pick out the one you love in a crowd, right? And here she was, practically right in front of him, and he didn't even look.

Lucinda's jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. "Connor's always working when he's in the car. He never looks out the window, so it's normal if he didn't see us. I don't blame him."

Paige nodded. That actually

sounded like something Connor

would do. Looking at Lucinda's

happy smile she couldn't help teasing You're way too understanding, you know that? So tett me, how are things going with you and Connor?"