Chapter 133
The class reunion was coming up soon, and Anastasia wanted to buy a new outfit. It wasn’t that she didn’t have clothes—she actually had tons. Cassian had luxury boutiques send their latest pieces directly to their house.
Those outfits were all gorgeous and incredibly expensive—the kind of thing she wore when accompanying Cassian to important events. But wearing those to a class reunion seemed totally inappropriate. Most of her classmates were working regular jobs, and one of her dresses probably cost more than they made in a year. So Anastasia wanted to buy some reasonably priced clothes instead.
Tamia was a manager now and dressed well, but probably because of her family background, she’d buy a few nice pieces for important occasions and wear more low-key stuff day-to-day. She usually shopped indie brands—unique designs, good quality fabrics, but affordable prices.
After work, they met up at the mall entrance. They grabbed dinner at this famous dessert café that Tamia had been craving forever. While they were eating, Tamia brought up the reunion.
“Ana, we need to look absolutely stunning at this thing. I heard Ailee Hales is coming, and you know how she’s always been jealous of you and tried to compete with everything. We can’t let her outshine you.”
Tamia was super competitive like that. Ailee had always been jealous of Anastasia’s looks and grades back in school. She was always second place to Anastasia’s first, so she constantly tried to one-up her. When she’d found out Anastasia was dating Jasper, she’d been passive-aggressive about it every time they met. But Ailee had done well for herself—apparently she was dating some rich guy who spoiled her. Who knew what kind of show-off nonsense she’d pull at the reunion. Especially now that Anastasia and Jasper had broken up—bad news traveled fast, and some of their classmates had probably already heard. So Tamia was curious to see how catty people would be.
She wondered what they’d think if they knew Anastasia’s husband was Cassian Rhodes. That would be so satisfying! But Tamia knew Anastasia was super private and didn’t like broadcasting her personal business, especially since she and Cassian were keeping their marriage quiet. She’d just have to wait and see. If people got too nasty, she wouldn’t mind dropping some hints.
Anastasia took a bite of her dessert and smiled helplessly. “Tamia, you know I hate that competitive bullshit. Let Ailee show off all she wants—we’ll just eat good food and have fun.”
Tamia pouted, “No way! You don’t know how obnoxious she’s been in the group chat, posting pictures of designer bags and jewelry every day. She’s even been implying that Jasper dumped you because you weren’t good enough. I’ve been pissed about it for weeks!”
Anastasia shook her head and offered Tamia some of her dessert. “Let her say whatever she wants. I’m happy with my life now, and I—”
“At least buy a decent dress though!” Tamia’s eyes lit up. “I know there’s this boutique on the third floor—reasonably priced but really perfect for you!”
After dessert, they headed straight to the third floor. It was a French indie brand store with sophisticated, minimalist cuts that looked expensive. Anastasia tried on a cream silk dress with an interesting waist detail that showed off her figure perfectly.
Tamia clapped enthusiastically. “That’s the one! Understated luxury with class—totally beats whatever flashy crap Ailee will be wearing.”
Just as Anastasia was heading to pay, a shrill voice called out from behind them: “Oh my God, what a coincidence! Look who it is!”
They turned around to see Jasper in a sharp suit standing at the entrance with Valeria.
Just fucking great.
Must not have checked her horoscope before leaving the house today. This completely killed the shopping vibe.
Valeria looked Anastasia up and down, then smirked at the dress in her hands. “Wow, sis, shopping the sale racks now? I remember when you only wore designer stuff.”