"Miss Wendy has such fair skin, these newest arrivals will definitely suit you."
The sales assistants chimed in one after another, their praise pouring out as if it cost nothing. Every word pushed Wendy higher and higher into the clouds.
Standing beside them and listening, I couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed. For some reason, at that moment, I had the strange feeling that… my presence here was somewhat superfluous.
"Bring out the newest styles for me to see," Wendy said.
She tilted slightly to the side, and only then seemed to remember that I was still standing next to her. Turning her head, she smiled gently. "Oh right, this is my sister-in-law. If you see anything that suits her, feel free to recommend a few outfits for her as well."
Only then did the staff truly notice me.
The moment their gazes settled on me, I could clearly sense the fleeting shock in their eyes. A youthful, beautiful, naturally delicate face like a freshly bloomed red rose instantly swept away everyone's composure.
I heard a faint intake of breath.
In just a heartbeat, the staff seemed to reach a conclusion: if I was Wendy's sister-in-law, then I must be from a "wealthy family." Within seconds, their attitude shifted completely. Brightly colored outfits were brought out one after another, and the smiles on their faces grew noticeably more enthusiastic.
Being surrounded like this made me feel both amused and slightly uncomfortable. "You can just leave the clothes there. I'll try them on myself."
One of the salesgirls nodded repeatedly, not forgetting to add a few more compliments, how fair my skin was, how pretty I looked, how these light-colored outfits seemed practically made for me.
I glanced down and realized that most of the outfits they claimed "suited" me were deep red so dark and vivid they were almost blinding. To be honest, I wasn't very used to that. I preferred softer, lighter tones.
Still, I had to admit that aside from the color, the designs themselves weren't bad. After thinking for a moment, I decided to give them a try.
While I was still hesitating over which one to take into the fitting room first, waves of praise from the staff around Wendy reached my ears.
"Wow, Miss Wendy, this dress looks amazing on you!"
"That's right, it really flatters your figure and makes your skin look even fairer."
"After putting this on, Miss Wendy's aura is completely elevated."
Instinctively, I turned to look and froze on the spot.
Wendy had chosen a white chiffon dress, embroidered with intricate patterns in a classical Western style, reminiscent of European Renaissance art. At first glance it seemed simple, but once worn, it unintentionally exuded an elegant, antique charm. She looked lighter and gentler, carrying the refined air of a noble lady stepping out of an oil painting, making it difficult for anyone to look away.
"Sister-in-law, is it really that beautiful?" Wendy stood before the mirror, her hands lightly resting in front of her abdomen, every gesture radiating perfect upbringing and grace.
I nodded and praised her sincerely. "It suits you very well."
"Thank you." Wendy smiled, her lashes lowering slightly, looking like a gentle ink painting. "Sister-in-law, once you've chosen yours, go try it on and let me see."
I hugged the clothes and stepped into the fitting room.
The dress I chose was a deep red chiffon gown with spaghetti straps, revealing my smooth shoulders. When I put it on, I paused slightly, it fit so perfectly it was almost unbelievable, as if it had been tailor-made for me.
When I pushed the door open and walked out, soft gasps immediately rippled through the room.
I didn't know how beautiful I looked at that moment. I only knew that everyone's gaze was fixed on me.
The deep red made me appear even more radiant; every blink carried a bewitching glow. It felt like the legendary seductive consorts of ancient tales just standing there was enough to make others want to offer up everything they had.
Wendy stared at me intently, her red lips pressed together slightly. No one knew what she was thinking.
"Sister-in-law, this red dress really suits you," Wendy said as she stepped forward, her expression generous. And the size fits perfectly. If you buy it… I'm sure Brother Captian will love it."
I didn't find it particularly beautiful only a little uncomfortable. It was too eye-catching…
"This one, that one, and the dress my sister-in-law is wearing wrap them all up for me," Wendy said directly to the staff, not giving me a chance to change my mind.
I snapped back to my senses and looked at her in confusion. "Um… mine too?"
Wendy took a membership card out of her bag, her tone completely natural.
"Yes. This dress suits you very well, Sister-in-law. Consider it a meeting gift, I'm giving it to you."
A meeting gift?
My expression immediately grew complicated.
For some reason, I had the feeling… that this wasn't a simple gift. It felt more like, "You're so pitiful, let me give you some charity." That feeling made me extremely uncomfortable.
Besides, I was Captian's wife now. If I accepted this kind of "charity," wouldn't that be humiliating for him?
The thought flashed through my mind, and I immediately reached into my bag and took out a black card.
The gold-edged black card gleamed under the lights, so dazzling that even the cashier fell silent for a second.
I placed the card on the counter, my voice calm and firm. "Use my card. Since you've called me sister-in-law, then I should be the one giving you a meeting gift. How could I let you do it instead?"
The eyes of the female staff instantly lit up.
A globally limited-edition black card.
As expected… not just wealthy, more like sitting on a gold mine.
"Then thank you, Sister-in-law." Wendy stared at the black card, her expression becoming strangely subtle. "It seems Brother Captian really loves you, even giving you a globally limited-edition black card."
After saying that, she lowered her head, her expression clearly displeased.
Beep, beep. Three outfits, over one million USD.
My heart ached. I clutched my chest, almost unable to breathe. "No need to thank me. Your Brother Captian… treats me very well."
So well that he even wants to strangle me. That terrifying demon!
Hearing this, Wendy looked even more uncomfortable. Holding the clothes in her hands, it felt as though she were the one being given charity. Just moments ago, she had clearly been the one in control.
Wendy took a deep breath, forcing herself to suppress her emotions. "Sister-in-law, it's almost noon. Shall we go eat?"
I rubbed my stomach, I was indeed a little hungry. "Where?"
"Would Le Miroir Bleu be okay?"
I nodded. I'd been there twice before; I was fairly familiar with it.
On the drive to Le Miroir Bleu, Wendy no longer drove fast. Instead, she drove very steadily. This only made me more suspicious, the morning recklessness had clearly been deliberate.
Sure enough, a romantic rival could never become a friend.
I took a deep breath, telling myself that after this meal, I had to leave. I still had many things to do.
Le Miroir Bleu retained its familiar antique charm. As soon as we entered, Wendy seemed to spot someone she knew and immediately walked over with a smile. "Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you here."
"Wendy? Are you here eating with friends as well?" Mrs. Moana Moore smiled kindly, reaching out to pat the back of Wendy's hand, her voice gentle.
Wendy replied as if it were just an offhand remark, her tone so natural that no one had time to be on guard. "Yes, I'm here with my sister-in-law."
The Moores froze instantly.
The only daughter of the William family… where would she get a sister-in-law?
"Sister-in-law?" Mrs. Moana Moore was stunned, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Who is Wendy's sister-in-law?"
Wendy turned her head, her gentle smile unchanged, her voice soft yet clear.
"The wife of Brother Captian. Didn't you know?"
Just one name was spoken.
The expressions of both Mr. and Mrs. Moore changed at the same time, their eyes filling with shock unable to hide their astonishment.
Of course they knew.
The matter had once stirred up Facebook, spreading through the aristocratic circles without missing a single ear. Behind closed doors, people treated it as a joke, Captian hadn't married Wendy but a girl named Rosy, mockingly called "that pitiful ghost."
Some said I was merely a mistress, a tool Captian used to slap the William family in the face.
Those rumors… how could elders like them not have heard of them?
"Is it that thing on Facebook?" Mrs. Moana Moore's voice sank, her expression clearly displeased.
Wendy nodded.
"Poor child…" Mrs. Moana Moore looked at Wendy with deep sympathy, her words trailing off. "You and Captian, the two of you..."
"Mrs. Moore." Wendy shook her head, gentle yet firm, stopping her and signaling that she shouldn't continue.
I stood behind them, unable to hear clearly what they were exchanging. Yet for some reason, a very strange feeling welled up inside me as if I were being silently rejected by someone.
The feeling was vague, yet unmistakably uncomfortable.
I subconsciously touched my nose, only hoping I could leave this place as soon as possible.
After who knew how long, Wendy finally turned back and waved at me.
"Sister-in-law, come over. It's rare to run into Mr. and Mrs. Moore, let's eat together."
I pressed my lips together.
To be honest, I didn't know them at all. Sitting together would only make things more awkward. But despite my reluctance, I forced myself to smile and walked over.
And the moment our eyes met, I froze.
And they… froze as well.
"So it's you?" I smiled, my voice more natural than I expected. "The doctor already gave instructions that day at the hospital. Have you been taking the medicine according to the prescription I wrote?"
"Our benefactor!" Mrs. Moana Moore immediately became emotional, gripping my hand tightly and refusing to let go. "That day, his heart condition relapsed suddenly. If he hadn't been saved in time… I'm afraid he wouldn't have made it."
Mr. Moore stood beside her, his eyes filled with gratitude, nodding repeatedly.
"As long as everything is fine," I said, patting Mrs. Moore's hand lightly, signaling for her to calm down.
"Benefactor, thank you so much…" Mrs. Moore was so moved that her words became a little disordered. "Even the doctors said your medical skills are superb. If we'd transferred him to a higher-level hospital that day, he would have suffered terribly…"
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Mrs. Moore, please calm down a bit. Don't get too excited."
And at that very moment, I clearly felt it. The way Wendy was looking at me… had completely changed.