Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Upon hearing my cry of pain, Daisy looked at me pitifully, “I’m so sorry, I just wanted to pour you some water, but you were rushing to get the bag.” She pleaded, “Miss Wright, please don’t report me. I’m just a working student trying to make ends meet–I’m not like you, with such a rich boyfriend who can take care of everything so easily.” Her voice broke. “You can yell at me, even hit me if you want–just please spare me!”
I hadn’t even said a word, but Daisy’s words made it sound as if I was about to tear her to pieces. Calvin, visibly concerned, gently lifted my skirt to check the burn on my thigh. My skin was bright red.
“I’ll cool it down for you,” he said, softly blowing on the burn and offering to get some ice water. But then, he helped Daisy to her feet, saying, “It’s alright; you didn’t do it on purpose, I know how hard it is to work part–time.”
I let out a bitter laugh, but I reminded myself Calvin was probably sympathizing with her
because he understood what it was like to need financial support. Daisy seemed
emboldened, taking out the most expensive handbag in the store and bringing it over to us. It was way out of Calvin’s budget but matched my style perfectly. I reached out to take a closer look, but Daisy blocked my hand, her eyes filled with disdain as she gave me a motking smile.
“Miss Wright, this bag…is quite expensive. You aren’t wearing gloves, and if your hands
aren’t clean, it could stain the bag.” She paused, glancing at the man beside me. “I don’t
have a boyfriend as generous as yours, nor the skills to make rich men fall head over heels
for me…” She added slyly, “If you end up not buying the bag after dirtying it, I–I can’t afford
to cover it.”
Enraged, I sprang up and pointed at her. “What are you implying? Is this how your company trains you? Are you suggesting I can’t afford it?” Daisy feigned shock, her face filled with mock innocence as she looked to Calvin for support.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, I’m just not very good with words,” she stammered. “Of course you can afford it.” I was about to respond, but Calvin gently held my wrist, pulling me back.
“Let it go. She’s just a sales associate; there’s no need to make it hard for her.” He looked at me and added, “I think this bag is perfect. Why don’t your try it on?” He placed the exact
12:43
A Losing Game of Love
Chapter 2
same bag I’d bought yesterday in front of me, his eyes full of anticipation. I took a deep breath and nodded, eager to just finish the transaction and leave.
As we turned away, I muttered to Calvin, “Honestly, they’ll let just anyone work here, won’t they?” He patted my back, comforting me.
“Alright, alright. From now on, we’ll never come back to this store. How about that?” Calvin said, not bothering to keep his voice low, and Daisy’s face instantly froze in panic. She rushed forward, blocking Calvin’s hand as he reached for his wallet, looking utterly
morseful.
“Oh dear, my memory–silly me, Miss Wright must have so many bags that she’s forgotten!
This bag is exactly the same as the one you got yesterday. Didn’t another gentleman just
buy this for you?”
