Arabella, of course, had other thoughts. She chimed in seriously, sounding far too grown-up for her size.
"Mom, I wasn't lost."
Vivienne blinked and tilted her head. "Oh? Then what happened?"
Arabella shook her head seriously. Mom. I saw a lady wearing the exact same dress as you, so I followed her. I thought it was you! But then she turned around and I realized—oops, not my mom."
Vivienne blinked in mild disbelief, then let out a breathy laugh, a mixture of relief and exasperation. "Arabella, sweetheart… only you could turn a shopping trip into a grand adventure."
Rex, still quietly observing the mother-daughter exchange with amusement, couldn't help but be charmed by Arabella's earnest little explanation. Vivienne, catching his expression, gave a faint chuckle and nodded in gratitude once more.
"Truly... thank you," she said, her voice softer now, more heartfelt.
