Love Story8–Chapter 1
Calvin Taylor received his first paycheck from his internship and insisted on buying me the handbag I’d lingered over before. What he didn’t know was that I’d already bought it myself the day before. To avoid ruining his surprise, I discreetly pulled aside Emma, the sales associate who usually assists me, and asked her not to give anything away.
soon as I finished explaining, Calvin called, and I turned to leave. That’s when I overheard a young woman nearby snickering. “Dressed to the nines, probably just another old man’s mistress,” she muttered. “One’s not enough–gotta have two.” Her voice dripped with disdain as she added, “Just look at her, flaunting that face to get men to buy her
whatever she wants. Shameless.”
I stopped in my tracks, turned back, and caught a glimpse of her nametag, rage boiling inside me. Just as I was about to confront her, she shot me a dismissive glare and headed
off to the break room.
When Calvin arrived, I quickly excused myself to take a call from the office. But the moment I stepped back in, I saw Daisy Lewis, the sales associate who had just insulted me, now crouched beside Calvin, sweetly showcasing a handbag. From his angle, her low neckline left nothing to the imagination. As if that wasn’t enough, she dropped to her knees on the carpet, holding the bag in one hand and resting her other hand on Calvin’s thigh.
In a nearby mirror, I took in Calvin’s outfit–a suit I had specially tailored for him, so clients wouldn’t look down on him, and the unique luxury watch I’d gifted him for his birthday. He might not recognize the brand, but clearly Daisy knew exactly what it was.
Just then, Calvin looked up and saw my reflection. He immediately leaped up from the couch and hurried over to me. “Come over here! I asked her to bring out all the latest
bags–pick whichever you like.”
Daisy froze, her face a mixture of shock and forced politeness as she managed a strained smile. “Oh…so this lady came in with Mr. Taylor.” She looked at me with a hint of a smirk. “You know, we often get people browsing bags with different men each time. I’ve seen you here a few times–I thought, well, that you might be one of…those ladies. I just have a strong
sense of ethics, I hope you don’t mind…”
Calvin, who thought I’d been window–shopping here because I couldn’t afford the bag,
12:42
A Losing Game of Love
Love Story2 Chapter 1
jumped in before I could reply, as if to spare me from any embarrassment. “We can afford it. Now, could you please show my girlfriend the bags?”
Not wanting to spoil Calvin’s excitement over his gift, I followed him over as Daisy began unboxing the bag, her gaze lingering on Calvin’s face. “Mr. Taylor is so generous with his girlfriend, wealthy, considerate–no wonder you’re a boss,” she said, clearly trying to flatter
him
Calvin gave a polite smile. “I’m not some big boss,” he replied modestly.
At this, Daisy’s eyes sparkled, completely ignoring me as she handed the bag directly to him. “Oh, Mr. Taylor, you’re so humble. Wealthy people who stay low–key like you are a rare find. You’re honestly the first I’ve ever met.”
Calvin took the bag and turned to ask for my opinion. Before I could answer, a searing pain shot through me–Daisy had spilled an entire cup of hot water on my leg. I yelped in pain, glaring at her.
“What’s wrong with you? Are you out of your mind?”
